s.'^i:^ir> 




aass_Ej7i__ 

Book .f-f^^iT 



PREMIUM HISTORY 



HISTORY 



UNITED STATES, 



FROM THEIR 

FIRST SETTLEMENT AS COLONIES, 

TO THS " - - 

CLOSE OF THE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN 
IN 1815. 

TO WHICH ARE ADDED 

QUESTIONS, 

ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 

*• CMtu, Incredibile memomtu ent, adepta Jibertate, qiumtum brevi creTerit."— -SbMiat 



COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. 

FUELISHED BY H. «fe E. PHINNEY. 

1841 . 






Santkem District of Ktxo York, ss. 

BF. IT REMEMBERED, Tliat on the22d day of Aiijnifit, In iha SOth 
fear of the independence of ti.e United States of America, Charles 
Wiley, of the sai(i District, hath deposited in this office the title of a 
book, the rigiit w hereof he claims as proprietor, in the words follow- 
ing, to wit: — 

History of the LFnited States, from their First Settlement as Colonies, 
lo the Close of the VVjir with Great Britain, in 1815. 

" Civiias, incredibile memoralu est, adepta libertate, quantum brevi 
ereverit."— Sa/^M^i. 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, en- 
titled " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the 
copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of 
such copies, during the time therein mentioned ;" and also loan Act, 
entitled "An Act snppleineiilary lo an Act, entitled An Act for the 
encouragement of Ijearning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, 
and Books, to the auihors and proprietors of such copies, during the 
timed therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the 
ana of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints '* 

JAMJBS DILL, Qitr\ o/Uu SciOiimm Dittriet iffJfno York. 



At a meeting of the American Academv of Langna^ 
and Belles Lettres, lield at the City Hall, in tlie city of 
New York, October 20, 18*^0,— Hon. Brockhoist Living- 
ston, First Vice-President, in tlie chair; Rev. John B. 
Komeyn, D. D. Clerk, — tJie followingr preamble and reso- 
lution, offered by W. S. Cardell, Esq., seconded by the Rev 
Doctor Wainwright, were unanimously adopted : — 

As the proper education of youth is, in all communities, 
closely connected wiLh national prosperity and honor; and 
as it is particularly important in tlie United States, that 
tfie rismg generation should possess a correct knowledge 
of their own country, and a patriotic attachment to iifi 
welfare ; — 

Rksglved, that a premium of not less than four hundred 
dollars, and a ^Id medal wortli fifty dollars, be given to 
tlie author, being an American citizen, v.-ho, witnin two 
years, shall produce tlie best written history of Llie United 
States, and which, with such history, shall contain a suit- 
able exposition of the situation, character, and iiiterestf=, 
absolute and relative, of tlie American Republic ; calcu- 
lated for a jlass-book in axjadcmies and schools. Tins work 
IS to be examined and approved by a committee of the 
institution, in reference to the interest of its matter, Jie 
justness of its facte and principles, the purity, perspicuity, 
and elegance of its style, ajid itB adaptation to its in- 
tended purpose. 

By order of the Academy, 

4LEX. McLEOD, Rec'g. Sec'ry. 

The undersigned, being appointed a committee with fuU 
powers to examine the several works submitted, and award 
the medal and premium, in pursuance ol tlie above resolu- 
tion, having perused four bo©ks, olfered by different authors, 
according to the conditions required, have selected one as 
being tlie best of the four ; and after referrng it to its au- 
tlior for such minor corrections as might render it more 
acceptable to the public, do now finall} adjudge said medal 
and premium to be due to the writer of the work recently 
printed, entitled, 

"A History of the Umted States, from thoirF/^^t 

Settlement as Colonies, to the Close of Llie War vv^ith 

Great Britain, in 1815. 

* Civitaa, Incredihile memoratu est, adepta liberfate. quantum brer' 
efeverit.»— S(ii/(«t." 

WM. r. VAN iNJ;SS, ) 

ALEXR. McLEOD, S Committe* 

JACOB MORTON, ) 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Introdiictior 7 

History of \ irginia ] 5 

Massachusetts 26 

New Hampshire .... 55 

Connecticut 59 

Rhode Island 66 

New York G8 

New Jersey 84 

Delaware 87 

Pennsylvania 89 

Maryland 93 

JNorth Carolina 96 

South Carolina 100 

Georgia , 105 

French War of 175G -63 .110 

Revolution 126 

Revolution .... 189 

Expedition ao-ainst Canada 159 

Canipaig-n of 1776 169 

Campaign of 1777 179 

Campaign of 1778 189 

Campaign of 1779 194 

Campaign of 1780 198 

Campaign of 1781, and Termination of the War. . 206 
Adoption of the Constitution, and Washington's Ad- 
ministration 218 

Mr. Adams's, Mr. Jefferson's, and Part of Mr, Madi- 
son's Administration — Declaration of War . . . 237 

Campaign of 181 2 253 

Campaign of 1813 259 

Campaign of 1814 — Conclusion of the War . . . 272 

Appendix . . ^ . 2&i 



PREFACE 



THE following work was begun n/any years since 
the appearance, soon after, of several books, on a plan 
nearly similar, and the want of sufficient leisure, induced 
the Autlior to relinquish ins design. Perceiving, from 
tJie subsequent offer of a premium for the best written 
work of tlie kind, that another was wanted, he resumed 
and completed his undcrtaldng. 

It was his purpose to present a correct and interesting 
narrative of all the important events in the history of his 
country; to exhibit, in a strong light, tlie principles of 
political and religious freedom which our forefatliers pro- 
essed, and for which they fought and conquered ; to record 
^e numerous examples of fortitude, courage, and patnot 
em, which have rendered them illustrious ; and to produce 
not so much by moral reflections, as by tlie tenor of the 
narrative, virtuous and patriotic impressions upon the mind 
of tlie reader. It was his aim to render the book wor<:hy 
to be read, not only in the academies and schools of hia 
country, but by tliat very numerous portion of his fellow 
citizens, M^ho have seldom tlie opportunity to peruse more 
voluminous productions ; and by those who might wish to 
review their studies, and fix in their memory the succes- 
sion of events ; and it was also his aim to exhibit a style 
which should be correct and pure ; should be free from 
ambitious ornament, and from those faults Avith which the 
writers of this country have been too justly charged. He 
by no means supposes that he has accomplished all he 
aimed at. 

It was thought indispensable that a history, intended to 
be accessible to all, should contain some account of the 
different states of the union ; in order that many preja- 
dice£^ the offspring of ignorance, might be removed : and 



6 PREFACE. 

that the injurious effects, which must flow from an ac- 
quaintance with the history of a sinole state only, might 
be avoided. It was the correct remark of an able writer, 
that tlie iiistory of colonies g-enerally affords but two in- 
teresting eras, tliat of their settlement, and that of their 
independence. To both of these tlie author has more 
particularly directed his attention. 

Let those who imagine that no book can do good that 
IS not a great book, consider that every American should 
be acquainted with the lustory of his country, and that a 
voluminous history would not be read by one twentieth 
part of tlie population; that, on most minds, the same or 
even stronger impressions would be made by a work well 
written on the plan of this, than by a minute, and of 
course often tedious, detail of every event; that the peru- 
sal of such a work, in early life, must excite rather than 
gratify curiosity ; that mucii, very much good would be 
done, should a knowledge of the important events be 
communicated, and correct imprpssions be given, to those 
who would otlierwise remain entirely ignorant ; and that, 
in fact, this book contains more than many an octavo of 
high price. 

But while it is important that no American citizen 
should be ignorant of the principal events in the history 
of his country, it is the indispensable duty of all, who 
can enjoy the opportunity, to read and to study the larger 
and more particular histories which have been pubhshed. 

There is little danger that tliis small and favored class 
will neglect this duty. The danger is greater, that much 
the most munerous portion of the population — tliat por- 
tion in whose hands are the destinies of the republic — 
would read nothing on the subject should expensive worka 
only be published. 



HISTORY 



UiNITED STATES 



INTRODUCTION. 

T'lE continent of America was probably iinkno\\'Ti to the 
ancients. If once known, as some have supposed, to the 
Carthn g-inians, tJie Scandinavians, and the Welsh, all 
KnoAvJec!g-e of it was afterwards lost. The discovery of 
this extensive re^gfion, constitutinor nearly one half of the 
habitable olobe, was the accidental result of tlie attempts, 
made in the fifteenth centuiy, to find a passage, by sea, 
from the polls of Europe to the East Indies, whose pre- 
cious conmiodities were then transported, over land, by a 
Jong, dangerous, and expensive route. 

2. This passage Avas universally sought by saiiincr south, 
along the western c6asts of Europe and Afi-ica, in the hope 
of finding the tennination of the continent, when the Indies, 
it was supposed, might be attained, by taking at first an 
easterly and then a nortlierly course. " The discovery of 
tlie Cape of Good Hope, in 1487, encouraged expectation 
and gave increased activity to the spirit of adventure. 

3. Among the n^ivigators of that age, Christopher Co- 
lumbus, a native of the republic of Genoa, was distinguish- 
ed for experience and sldll in liis professit)n, for extensive 
knowledge, and for a bold and original genius. The shape 
of the earth, then known to be round, and tlie fact that 
pieces of carved wood, a canoe, and two human bodies, of 
a complexion different from that of Europeans, had been 
driven, by lon^ westerly winds, upon the shores of islands 
contiguous to Europe, suggested to his observing mind tiie 
Droject of seeking tlie East Indies by sailing directly west 



8 INTRODUCTION, 

4. Unable to defray the expenses of an expeditioa ho 
sought first the assistance of his native city. His coun- 
trymen, accustomed only to cruising, in frail vessels, along 
the shores of the continent, treated the project as chimeri- 
cal, and declined furnishin<T aid. A pressing application to 
the king of Portugal, in whose dominions he had resided, 
met likewise with ridicule and rejection. Persevering in 
his purpose, he then sent his brother, Bartholomew, to 
Sngland, to apply to Henry VK, and went himself to 
Spain, which was then governed by Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella, from whom he solicited assistance. 

5. For a long time he solicited in vain. At length the 
queen, persuaded by his representations, became his" friend 
and patron. By her directions, three small vessels were 
fitted out, and he was autliorixed to sail with these upon 
his projected voyage of discovery. Oil the third of Au 
c;ust, 141)2, he departed from Palos, in Spain, directing lua 
course towards the Canary Islands. 

<). He stopped there to relit, and, on the sixth of Sep- 
tember, boldly adventured into seas which no vessel had 
yet entered, with no chart to direct him, no guide but hia 
compass, and without any knowledge of the tides or cur- 
ents which mi^ht interrupt his course. He moved rapidly 
Before the trade Avind, w^hich blows invariably from the 
east to tlie west between the tropics, judiciously conceal- 
ing from his ignorant and timid crews the progress he made, 
lest tliey mignt be alarmed at tlie speed with which they 
receded from home. 

7. About the fourteenth of September, he was distant 
nearly six hundred miles from trie most westerly of the 
Canaries ; and here the magnetic needle was observed to 
vary from its direction to the polar star, and incline towards 
the west; an appearance which, although now familiar, 
had never before been observed. 

8. Columbus and his companions were alarmed. They 
were far from land, and far from the tracks of otlier navi- 
gators. All before a«id around thorn was unknown, and 
tlieir only guide seemed to be no lonj^er entitled to their 
confidence. But although alarmed, Columbus lost not his 
presence of mind. He assigned a reason for the variation 
which, without satisfying Imnself, silenced tiie murmurs 
of his companions. 

9. But the interval of quiet and subordination was short 
Disaffection soon reappeared among the ignorant and 
wavering, and, gradually spreading, at lengtli pen'aded the 



INTRODUC'I'ION. » 

whole squadron. The men blamed their sovereign for 
listening to the schemes of a dreaming adveiiturer. T'Jie 
indications of land had all proved fallacious. They Avould 
be amused and deceived no longer. They agreed that Co- 
lumbus should be force^l to relinquish an undertaking which 
seemed to promise nothing but destruction ; and some of 
the more daring talked of throwing him into tlie sea, as a 
visionary projector, wliose death would cause no regrot 
and produce no inciuiry. 

10. Amidst tliese difficulties, Columbus displayed those 
traits of character whicli proved the greatness of his mind 
and his peculiar fitness for tlie arduous duties of his sta- 
tion. He appeared with a steady and cheertul countenance 
as if satisfied with what he had done. Sometimes he 
soothed his companions by hokiing oirt to them a prospect 
of riches and of fame, and by otfaring a gratuity to him 
wiio shoukl first discover land. Sometimes he assu;..ed a 
tone of authority, threatening them wit'i the vtiigeancf; o 
their sovereign, and everlasting infamy, should they com- 
pel him to abandon the undertaking. 

11. These encouroiremeijtr am.' thre-its pievented open 
and forcible resistance to his autr:ority. Meaj?whiie the 
squadron proceeded onward ; the indications of lana had 
become frequent, and convinced him thot it could not be 
far cUstant. But his crew were unconvinced, and their 
discontent hicreased. Assemibling tuniultuously on deck, 
they demanded to be conducted back to Spain. As a last 
expedient, he proposed that they should continue on their 
course three days longer, and if, in that .time, land should 
not be discovereci, he would then comply with their demand. 

12. They consented. Before the tiine expired, Colum- 
bus, on the ]lth of October, at midniglit, saw a ho-ht glim- 
mering at a distance. " A light ! a light ! " was the joyful 
exclamation, wliich instantly resounded through the squad- 
ron. On the approach of morning, all hands stood gazing 
mtently in tlie dhection where land, it was expected, w^ould 
be discovered. 

13. Soon, on board the Pinta, the most forward vessel, 
was heard the cry of " Land ! land ! " which was repeated, 
with almost frantic delight, by the crews of the other ves- 
sels. Passing from one extren:ie to tlie other, chey, who a 
few days before had reviled and insulted tlieir commander, 
now regarded h.im as one whom tlie Deity had ewdowed 
with knowledge and penetration above tiie common lot of 
aiortals. 



aO introduction. 

14. At simnse, Columbus, in a rich and splendid dresai, 
landed, and, with a drawn sword in his hand, and display- 
ing the rcnral standard, took possession of the island for the 
crown of Spain, all his followers kneeling on the shore 
and kissing the ground with tears of joy. The natives, 
■who had assembled in great numbers on the first appear- 
ance of the siiips, stood around the Spaniards, gazing in 
speechless astonishment 

15. " The Europeans were hardly less amazed at the 
scene before them. Every lierb, and shrub, and tree, was 
different from tliose which 'fiourislied in Europe. The in- 
habitants appeared in the i?imple innocence of nature, en- 
tirely naked. Their black hair, long and uncurled, floated 
upon tlieir shoulders or was bound m tresses around their 
heads. Tliough not tcdl, tliey wore well shaped and active. 
They were shy at first, through fear, but soon became fa- 
miliar with tlie Spaniards ; from whom, with transports of 
joy, they received various trinkets, for which, in return, 
tjiey gave such provisions as tliey had, and some cotton 
yarn, the only commodity of value tliey could produce." 

16. To this island Columbus gave tlie name of San Sal- 
vador. The natives called it Guanahani, and by tliat 
name it is now known. It is one of the Bahama isles, and 
j8 above three tiiousand miles from Gomera, the most 
western of the Canaries. From tlie poverty and ignorance 
of the iiiliabitants, Columbus was convinced that he had 
not yet arrived at the rich country which was the object 
of his search. Leaving Guanaha.ii, he discovered and 
visited several otlier islands, and at length arrived at one 
called Hayti, and by liim ifispaniola. Here he remained 
a few weeks, and tiien returned to Spam. 

17. The news of his wonderful discovery filled the king- 
dom with astonishment and joy. His reception at court 
was accompanied by flattering and splendid ceremonies 
ordained for the occasion ; and he was honored by many 
proofs of royal favor. He made throe subsequent voyages, 
and, in ]498, discovered the continent of America, at the 
mouth of the Oronoco, a river of tiie tiiird or fourth mag- 
nitude in the New World, but far surpassing the largest 
in the Old. 

18. The honor, however, of first discoverincf the conti- 
nent, must, v.'itliout diminishing the merit ol Columbus, 
be given to Jotm Cabot and his son Sebastian. They were 
Venetians by birth, but, soon after tlie result of the first 
voyage of Columbus was known, were sent, by tlie king 



INTRODUCTION. U 

of England, on an expedition of discovery, in the same di« 
rection. In June, 1497, they arrived at the island of New- 
foundland, in North /Vinerica, and, proceeding westward, 
Boon after reached the continent. It being their object 
also to find a direct passage to the East Indies, tliey first 
sailed nortiiwardJy in search of it, as far as the 57th de- 
gree of latitude; then, returning, cruised along the coast 
to East Florida; and thence sailed to England withouf" 
having made any settlement Upon the discoveries made 
in this voyage the English founded their claim to the east- 
ern portion of North America. 

19. In 1499, Alonza de Ojeda, a companion of Colum- 
bus in his first expedition, sailing under the patronage of 
several Portuguese merchants, discovered tJie contment 
at Paria, in the 5th degree of north latitude. Americua 
Vespucius, a Florentine gentleman who accompanied him, 
published, on his return, an account of the voyage and a 
description of tlie country which they Iiad visited ; and 
from him it derives tlie nan>e it bears. 

20. In 1504, several adventurous navigators, from dif- 
ferent parts of France, came, in small vessels, to fish on 
the banks of Newfoundland. In 1524, John Verrazzano, 
a Florentine, in the employment of tlie king of France, 
sailed along the coast of America, from Florida to tlie 50tfe 
degree of nortli latitude. He is supposed to have entered 
the harbor of New York. He made, the next year, anoth- 
er vovage, from which he never returned, nor is it known 
by what disaster he perished. 

21. During tlie next forty years, frequent voyages were 
made to the ooast of North America. Of some, the object 
was fishing ; of others, trade with the natives. In 1540, 
the French made an attempt to plant a colony in Canada- 
trhich was unsuccessful. 

22. The rehgious wars which- afflicted France in tht 
eixteenth century, induced that illustrious statesman, Jas- 
per Coligni, the head of the Protestant sect, to project, in 
1502, a settlement in America, to which his brethren 
inight retire from the persecution of the Catholics. Fit- 
ting out two ships, he sent them thither under tlie com- 
mand of John Ribaut, who landed at a place supposed to 
be within the limits of Soutli Carolina, built a iort, left a 
part of^his men, and returned to France. 

2li The men who were left, soon after mutmied, killed 
ladjr camjnaijder, built and equipped a vessel, aiid put to 
'iGix. Having been out several weeks, and coiisiuned all 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

their provisions, one of tJieir niunbcr. who consented to be 
made a victim to save his comrades, was killed and eaten. 
A few davs afterwards, they were taken up by an Enj^iish 
vessel anS earned to Eng-land. This was tlie first attempt 
to plant a colony witJiiii (he limits of the United States ; 
and it is vrorthy of remark, tJiat to secure an asylum trom 
relio-ious persecution was the object in view. Colig-ni af- 
terwards sent a party to Florida, who were treacherously 
massacred by the Spauinrds. 

24. In ]583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, ha\ing received 
from queen Elizabeth a grant of such ''remote, heathen 
and barbarous lands" as he might discover and occupy, 
fitted out a squadron of five ships, and sailed for America, 
On arriving- before St. .John, in Newfoundland, he found 
tliirty-six vessels fishing in the harbor. He landed, and 
took possession of the country in the name of his sovereign. 
On his retiu-n to England, he suffered shipwreck and 
perished. 

25. Tine next year. Sir Walter Raleigh, distinguished 
in the history of England as a gallant knight and as tiie 
favorite of the queen, obtamed a renewal of the patent 
gTanted to Sir Humphrey, who was his half brother, and 
despatched to America two ships commanded by captains 
Amidas and Barlow. They first landed on an island in 
the inlet to Pamplico sound, then proceeded to the isle of 
Roanoke at the mouth o: Albemarle sound, in North Caro- 
lina, and at both places were treated with great respect by 
tlie natives. 

26. Having freighted their ships with furs, sassafras, 
and cedar, tliey returned to England, Avhere tliey published 
marvellous accounts of the beauty of the country, the fer- 
tility of the soil, the mildness of tlie climate, and tlie in- 
nocence of the natives. The queen was so charmed with 
tlie description, that, as a memorial that tlie countr}^ had 
been discovered durhig the reign of a virgin queen, she 
called it Virguiia. . „ , , 

27. The next year, Ralcitrh sent n-cm England seven 
vessels, commanded by Sir Richard Grenville, and carry- 
hw upwards of one hundred persons, destined to begin a 
settlement. They were left under Ralph Lane, on Roan- 
oke island. The success of the Spaniards in finding gold 
in South America, led these adventurers to employ tlieir 
time in a fruitless search for it here. In 1586, they were 
visited by Sir Francis Drake, Avho, at tlieir request, con- 
veyed them back to England. Lane canying home a 



INTRODUCTION. IS 

quantity of tobacco, the Indian custom of smolring it was 
adopted by RaJeigh, a man of gayety and fashion, and in- 
troduced at court. 

28. Soon after Drake departed, Grenville again arrived 
witli provisions for the settlement. Findmg it abandoned, 
he lett fifteen men to keep possession of the country. In 
1587, three other ships were sent to tJie same place, but 
tlie men who had been left could not be found, having prob- 
ably been murdered by tlie savages. After remaining a 
few Aveeks on the coast, the slitps returned to England, 
leaving one hundred and seventeen men on the island. 
War ttien existing between England and Spain, two years 
elapsed before the coast was again visited. In tliat period 
the whole number perished ; but in what manner has never 
been ascertained. Thus ended the exertions of Kaleigh 
to plant a colony in America. 

21). These successive misfortunes witlidrew, for several 
years, the attention of the English fi-om these distant re- 
gions. In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold made a voyage to 
America. Instead of taldng the circuitous, but usual route 
by the West India islands, he steered directly west from 
England, shortening the voyage at least one third, and ar- 
rived, in May, on the coast of Massachusetts. He discov- 
ered a headland, and taking a great quantity of codfish 
near it, called it Cape Cod. Proceeding southwardly, ha 
passed Gay Head, entered Buzzard's bay, and upon an 
island within it erected a small fort, the ruins of which 
were visible so late as 1797. After trading a while with 
the Indians, he returned home. 

30. The report made by Gosnold revived the spirit of 
adventure. In 1(303 and' 1()05, two voyages were made 
in the same direction, and Penobscot bay, Massachusetts 
ba}', and tjie rivers between them, were cliscovered. The 
accounts given by tlie last navigators confirmed the report 
of Gosnold, and led to a more extensive scheme of coloni- 
zation than had yet been attempted. 

31. Of this scheme Mr. Richard Hakluyt was the most 
active promoter. By his persuasion, an association of gen- 
tlemen, in different parts oi' tiie kingdom, was formed for 
the purpose of sendmg colonies to America. Upon their 
ajjplication to king James, he, by letters patent, dated in 
IGOO, divided the country of Viririnia, then consideied as 
extending fi-om the southern boundary of North Carolina to 
the northern boundary of Maine, into two disti'icts. and con- 
stJtute<^ two companies for planting colonies within them. 



U INTRODUCTION. 

32. TliO southern district he granted to Sir Tliomaa 
Gates and his associates, chiefly resident In London, and 
therefore styled the London Company. The nortJiern 
district he granted to Thomas Hanham and his associates, 
who were styled the Plymouth Company. The two dis 
tricts Avere styled South and North Virgmia.. Tlie mem- 
bers of these companies were principally merchants ; their 
objects were the extension of commerce and the discovery 
of mines of tlie precious metals, which were supposed to 
abound in Nortli as„well as in South America. 

33. For the supreme o-overnm.ent of tlie colonies, a grand 
council was instituted, me members of which were to re 
side m England, and to be appointed by the kinff. The 
subordinate jurisdiction was committed to a council in each 
colony, tlie members of which were to be appointed by the 
gfrana council in England, and to be governed by its 
ni?tractions. To tlie emigrants and their descendants 
were secured the enjoyment of all the rights of denizens 
or citizens, m the same manner and to the same extent as 
if tiiey had remained or been bom in England. 

'M. Before tlie date, however, of these letters patent, 
the king of France granted to the Sieur De Monts all the 
teiTitory from tlie 40tli to the 4(ith degree of north latitude^ 
or from New .Jersey to Nova Scotia, then called Acadia. 
By virtue of tliis grant a settlement was made in 1604, on 
the soutli-eastern side of tJie bay of Fundy, and called Port 
RoyaL In l(i08, Samuel Chanmlain, the a^ent of De 
Montg, laid tlie foundation of Quebec, the capital of Can- 
ada. From those possessions of the French, the colo- 
nies of New England and New York were, for more tliaa 
a century, frequently and cnielly annoyed. 



CHAPTER 1. 
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 

The London Company, soon after its incorporation m 
1(106, despatched to America three ships, havinof on boaid 
one hundred and five persons, destined to begin a settle- 
ment in South Virginia. Chnstopher Newport command- 
ed the squadron. lie vi-&s accompanied by captain Gos- 
nold and other distinguished individuals; some alhired by 
curiosity, and some oy the prospect of gain, to visit a 
country said to be inhabited by a new race of beings, and 
to abound in silver and gold. 

2. A sealed box was delivered to Newport, with direc- 
tions that it should not be opened untik twenty-fonr hours 
after the emigrants had landed in America. During the 
voyage, violent dissensions arose among the princip^fper- 
sonages on board the squadron. Of most of them, John 
Smith, one of the adventurers, incurred the distrust and 
hatred. His superior talents, and the fame he had ac- 
quired by his exploits in war, excited their envy, and prob- 
ably caused him to claim for himself greater deference 
than tliev were willing or bound to yield. 

3. In his youtli, he had been a merchant's apprentice. 
At die age of fifteen, he quitted his master, and travelled 
in France, the Netherlancls, Egypt, and Gemiany. Hav- 
ing joined the army of tlie emperor of Austria, who wjis 
then at war wiili the Turks, he' received, as a reward for 
a successful stratagem, tJ>e command of a ti'oop of horse. 

4. In tliree personal combats v*^itli Turkish cham.pions, 
he came off victorious, at each time killing his adversary. 
In a battle which subsequently took place, ne v/as wounded 
and tiiken prisoiier. After his recovery, he was sent as a 
sUive to Constantinople. He had fallen into tlie hands of 
a cruel master ; but his mistress, captivated by his fine 
appearance and heroic chai-acter, and commiserating his 
fate, sent him, in the absence of her husband, to her broth- 
er, who dwelt near tlio sea of Asoph. He, disregarding 
her directions, assigned to Smith degrading and laborious 
!asj{s, and beat him without mercy whenever he failed to 
perlbrm tliem. 

o. Seizinp- a favorable opportunity, he killed his new 
master, and fled into Russia. After visiting Germany, 
France, Spain, and Morocco, he returned to Englan'd, 



10 VIRGINIA. 

became acquainted with Gosnold, and was easily persuaded 
to embark m an expedition to a country he had not yet 
visited, in search of new scenes and new adventures. 
While yet at sea, he was accused of an intention to mur- 
der the council, usurp the g-ovemment, and make himself 
kinjT of Virginia ; and upon this absurd accusation was put 
in conhnement. 

6. The place of their destination was the disastrous po- 
sition of the Roanoke. A storm fortunately dcove diem to 
he nioutli of Chesapeake ba}^, which tliey entered on th.. 
-2Gth of April, 1607. Discoverinix a large and beautiful 
river, they g-ave it the name of James river, ascended it, 
and on its banks had several interviews with the natives. 

7. In one of these, a chief caine forward, holding in one 
hand his bow and arrows, in tlie other a pipe of tobacco, 
and demanded tlie cause of their coming. They made 
signs of peace, and were received as friends. Paspiha, 
another chief, when infomied of their wish to settle in the 
country, offered tliem as much land as they wanted, and 
Bent them a deer for their entertainment. 

8. On the 13th of May, they debarked at a place which 
Jfhey called Jamestown. On opening the sealed box, it 
was founii tu contain the names of the council and instruc- 
tions for their guidance. In the list were the names of 
Gosnold, Smith, Win^eld, and Newport. Wingfield was 
elected president, and a vote was passed excluding Smith 
from his seat at the board. He was, however, released 
from confinement. 

[). The whole country was then a wilderness, in which 
a few Indians roamed m pursuit of their enemies, or of 
wild beasts for food. In color they vv^ere darker than the 
European, but not so black as tJie negro. They possessed 
all the vices and virtues of the savage state ; were cun- 
ning in stratagem, ferocious in battle, cruel to their con- 
qucn3d enemies, kind and hospitable to their friends. They 
Had no \vritten lano'uage ; they were unacquainted with 
tiie use of iron and the other metals ; their weapons of 
war were a bow and aiTows, a stone hatchet, which they 
called a tomahawk, and a club. They hved principally 
by hunting, but sometimes cultivated small patches of 
Indian corn. 

10. From such neighbors the emigrants could expect 
but little aid or comfort. Yet they took no care to provide 
for their future subsistence or preservation. They plaut- 
^^•l nothing the first year. The provisions brought from 



VIRGIMA 17 

England were soon consumed. In four montns, famine and 
the diseases of a hot and damp cHmate swept away fifty 
of tlieir number. 

IJ. These dreadful distresses led them to reflect upon 
tlieir situation and conduct Having^ become sensible of 
their injustice to Smith, ti^iey, at liis request, had m-anted 
him a trial, which resulted in an honorable acquittal. His 
personal talents and activity now enforced, in adversity, 
^e same regard and deference wliich, in prosperous times, 
ire yielded only to vested authority and official station. 

I'l By his advice, a fort was erected, to protect them 
from the attacks of the Indians. To procure provisions 
and explore the country, he made frequent and distant ex- 
cursions into the wilderness. In one of these, he seized 
an Indian idol, made with skins stuffed with moss, for the 
redemption of which as much corn was brought him as he 
required. Sometimes he procured supplies by caresses, 
sometimes by purchase, ana Avhen these means failed of 
success, he scrupled not to resort to stratagem and violence. 

13. But in tlie midst of his activity and usefulness, he 
was, while exploring the source of tlie river CJiickahominy, 
surprised and attacked by a party of Indians. He defended 
himself bravely until his companions were killed, when he 
turned to flee. Running at hazard, he sunk to his neck 
in a swamp, and was taken prisoner. 

14. The exulting savages conducted him in triumph, 
through several towns, to their kino-, Powhatan. At the 
end of six weeks, their chiefs assenibled to deliberate on 
his fate. They decided tliat he should die. He was led 
forth to execution ; his head was placed upon a stone, and 
an Indian stood near with a club, tlie instrument of death. 
At this instant, Pocahontas, tlie young and favorite daugh- 
jer of the king, appeared, and rushing betAveen the execu- 
tioner and tlie prisoner, folded his head in her arms, and 
entreated her father to spare his life. Powhatan relented, 
directed Smitli to be conducted to his wigwam or hut, and 
Boon afterwards sent iiun, escorted by twelve guides, to 
Jamestown. 

15. On his araval there, he found the number of set- 
tlers reduced to tliirty-eight, and most of these had deter- 
mined to abandon the country. By persuasions and thrro«its, 
he induced a majority to relinquish tlieir design. The re- 
mainder, more resolute, went on board a small vessel in 
the river. Against these he instantly directed tlie guns 



18 VIRGINIA 

of the fort, wlien, to avoid the danger of being" sunk, they 
hastened back to their companions. 

16. Sustaining now a high reputation among tlie Indiana, 
he obtained from tliem occasional supphes of provisions, 
■which preserved tlie colony from famme. Tlie princess 
Pocahontas, also, remembering him whose life she had 
saved, frequently sent him such articles as were most 
needed. Tiie settlers were thus enabled to subsist until 
captain Newport, who had returned to England, again ar- 
rived at Jamestown, with a quantity of provisions, and one 
hundred and twenty persons, who came to reside in the 
colony. 

37. All danger being in appearance over, the emigrants 
no longer submitted to the authority, nor listened to the 
advice of Smith. Disorder and confusion followed ; and 
shout this time, that raging passion for gold, which first 
impelled Europeans to resort to this country, was again 
excited. In a stream north of Jamestown, a glittering 
eartli Avas discovered, which was supposed to be gold dust. 
" Immediately," says Stith, in his history, " there Avas no 
thought, no discourse, no hope, and no work, but to dig 
gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold." And notwith- 
standing the remonstrances of Smith, a ship was freighted 
with tins worthless conmiodity and sent to England. 

J 8. Finding he could not be useful in Jamestown, and 
unwillino- to be idle, Smith set out upon an expedition to 
explore the coasts of the Chesapeake. With great labor 
and fatigue, he exainined every inlet, river, and bay, as far 
as the mouth of the Rappaharmock ; whence, liis provis- 
ions being exhausted, he returned home. 

li). He found the people turbulent and discontented. 
They charged the president with squandering the public 
property, and imposmg upon them unnecessary fatigue, by 
compelling them to build for himself a house' of picasure 
m the woods. He was deposed ; Smith was chosen to 
succeed him ; he refused to accept tlie office, but no otlier 
person was appointed. 

'^0. Having procured a supply of provisions, he again 
departed to complete the survey of the Chesapeake. He 
visited all the countries on both shores ; he traded witli 
some tribes ; he fought with otliers ; and lef>, among all. 
the highest admiration of the beneficence or valor or the 
English. Returning aflcr an absence of six weeks, he 
was again chosen president. Yielding to the general 



VlRGIiNIA. 19 

wish, he consented to accept tlie office. Under his ad- 
ministration, habit^s of industry and subordination were 
formed, and peace and plenty sniilcd upon tiic colony. 

21. In 1609, tlic London Company, having obtained a 
new charter, conferrinn- greater powers and privileges than 
fne former, despatched to Viro-inia nine ships, carrying five 
hundred emigrants, and certain officers appointed to su- 
persede the existinor goverimient The ship, in which 
these officers embarlced, was driven ashore on the island 
of Bermudas. The settlers, who came in the otliors, were 
licentious, profligate, and disorderly. Assuming the power 
of disposing of the government, they conferred it some- 
times on one, and somethnes on another. 

22. In this confusion, Smith hesitated but a short time 
in deciding what course to pursue. He detennined that 
his autlionty was not suspended untd the arrival of the 
persons appointed to supersede him, and resumed, with a 
strong hand, the reins of government. He boldly im- 
prisoned the leaders of the sedition, and restored for a 
time regularity aud obedience. 

23. The Indians, jealous of tlie increasing power of tlie 
strangers who had invaded their country, concerted a plot 
to destroy them. Pocahontas, the constant friend of Vir- 
ginia, hastened, in a dark and dreary night, to Jamestown, 
and informed Smith of his danger. Measures of precau- 
tion were instantly taken. The Indians, perceiving that 
tlieir desitrn was discovered, again brought presents of 
peace to the English. 

24. Soon after, Smith, having received by accident a se- 
vere wound, returned to England to procure the aitl of a 
surgeon. Disastrous consequences followed. The In 
dians, learmng that the mnn whom they dreaded most had 
left the colony, attacked it v/itli united forces. A dread- 
ful famine ensued. To such extremity were the settlera 
reduced, that they devoured the sldns of the horses, the 
bodies of the Indians whom they had killed, and at last 
those of their own companions, who had sunk under accu- 
mulated miseries. These tremendous sufferings were rec- 
ollected long afterwards with horror, and the period "was 
remembered and distinguished by the name of the " starv- 
ing TIME." 

25. In six months, the colony, from five hundred per 
sons, was reduced to sixty ; and these Avere exceedinMy 
dejected. In this situation, they were visited by those ^vho 
were shipwrecked at Bennudas. All immediately deter 



!20 VfRGiNlA. 

mined to return to England. For this purpose, the rem- 
nant of the colony embarked on board the ships just arrived, 
and sailed down the river. Fortunately tliey were met 
bv lord Delaware, M'ho had been appomted governor of 
Virginia, and who, having brought Avith him a supply of 
jirovisions, persuaded them to return to Jamestown. 

26. This nobleman, by the mildness of his temper and 
hiB assiduity in business, restored order and contentment ; 
and tlie Indians were again taught to respect and fear the 
English. After a short administration, he was succeeded 
by sir Thomas Dale, by wJiom, on the recurrence of dis- 
orderly conduct, martial law was proclaimed and rigidly 
enforced. In the same year, [16 11,] sir Thomas Gates 
was appomted governor. He brought with him to Virginia 
a reinforcement of settlers, by whom now toAvns were 
founded. And anotlier charter was granted by tlie king, 
conferring additional privileges. 

27. In 1612, captain Argal, having learned, while on a 
trading- voyage to the Potomac, that Pocaliontas was in 
the neigliborhood, visited and persuaded her to go on board 
his vessel. He treated her respectfully, but detained and 
carried her to .lamestoAvn. He presumed tliat the posses- 
sion of Pocaliontas Avould give tlie English an a^scendency 
over Powhatan, who was iSiown to feel a strong attach- 
ment to his daughter. In tliis, however, he was disap- 
pointed. Powhatan, noble by nature, felt indignant at tliis 
mstance of treachery in the EngUsh. He offered a ran- 
som for his dau^iiter, but refused to consent to any terms 
of peace until she was restored. 

28. During her stay at JamestoA^Ti, her beauty, her art- 
less simplicity, and those ^ces of manner which ever 
acconmany dignitv of mind and innocence of heart, won 
the affections of Mr. Rolfe, a young and respectable plant - 
er. He succeeded in producing a reciprocal attachment 
They were married with the consent or Powhatan. The 
consequence of tliis marriage was peace with her fatlier, 
and with all tlie tribes who stood in awe of his power. 

29. Rolfe and his princess made a voyage to England, 
where she was received by the king and queen Avifli the 
attention due to her rank. For her virtues, and her dis- 
interested services, she was universally beloved and re- 
spected. Siie died when about to return to America, leav- 
ing one son, from whom are descended some of the most 
respectable families in Virginia. 

30. In 1G13, captam Argal was sent, with a naval forc^ 



VlRGirSlA. 21 

to drwe tlie French from the settlements they had begun 
in Acadia, which were considered to be within the hmita 
of North Virginia. He accomplished the object of the 
expedition, and, when returning, visited a Dutch trading 
establishment on Hudson's river, wliich was also within 
the same limits. The governor, too feeble to resist, ac- 
knowledged himself subject to the king of Endand. 

'SL The king, in liis mstructions given at tlie time of 
the first emigration to Jamestown, directed that all the 
land should be owned in common, and that the produce of 
tlie labor of all should bo deposited in the public stores. 
In such circumstances, no one would labor Avith the same 
Bteadiness and animation as if he, and he alone, was to 
possess and enjoy the fruit of his industry. A different 
regulation was now adopted. I8.\) each inliabitant, tliree 
acres of land were assigned in full property, and he was 
permitted to employ, in tlie cultivation of it,' a certam por- 
tion of his time. The effects of tliis alteration were im- 
mediately visible, and demonstrated so clearly its Avisdom, 
that soon after another assigimicnt of fifty acres was made ; 
and the plan of working in a common field, to fill the public 
Itores, was entirely abandoned. 

32. Since tlie year IGll, the colony had been governed 
by martial law, which 'vas administered by deputy-gov- 
ernor Argal, with so much no-or as to excite universal dis- 
content. The council in Lngland, listening to the com- 
plaints of the Virginians, appointed Mr. Yeardly governor, 
and instructed liim to inquire into and redress tlieir wrongs. 
He arrived in April, 1619, and immediately, to the great 
»oy of the inhabitants, called a general assembly of tlie 
colony. It met at .ramestown, on the 19th of .1 one, and 
was composed of delegates from the borouglis, tlien 
amounting to seven. They, the governor, ana the coun- 
cil, sat and deliberated in the same apartment, and acted 
as one body. 

33. Emigrants continued to amve frequently from Eng- 
land ; but nearly all were men, who came for the purpose 
of obtahiing wealth, and intended eventually to return 
Witli such views, they were evidently less useful to t\ie 
colony than if they should be induced to regard it as their 
home, and as the abode of their posterity. To produce 
tlijs desirable attachment to the" country, ninety girls, 
young and uncorrupt, were sent over in the year 1 020, and 
eLxtv more in the subsequent year, and immediately sold 
to the young planters a.3 wiv<»s. Tho orice was, at first. 



Ji4 VIHGIINIA. 

one hundredL and aflorwards, one hundred and fifty pounds 
of tobacco, then selling- at three shillinf^s the pound ; and 
it was ordained, that debts, contractea for wives, should 
be paid in preference to all otliers. 

iH. About tlie same time, another measure, of a differ- 
ent character, was adopted. The company were ordered 
by the king to transport to Virginia one hundred idle and 
dissolute persons, then in custody for then- offences. 
They were distiibuted through tlie colony, and employed 
as laborers. 

35. A Dutch vessel also brought into James river twenty 
Africans, who were immechatcly purchased as slaves. 
This was the commencement, in tlie English American 
colonies, of a traffic abhorrent to humanity, disgraceful to 
civilization, and fixing the/oulest stain upon the character 
of tlie acre and people. 

8(>. The colony was now in the full tide of prosperity. 
Its numbers had greatly increased, and its settlements 
were widely extended. At peace with tlie Indians, it re- 

Eosed in perfect security, ana enjoyed witliout alloy all the 
appiness which its fortunate situation and favorable pros- 
pects afforded. It was doomed to experience a reverse 
of fortune, sudden, distressing, and terrible. 

37. Powhatan, the friend of the Ent^lish, was dead. 
Opecancanough, a chief endowed witli all those cj^ualitiea 
which give rank and reputation to an Indian warrior, had 
succeeded him in his influence and power*, but he was the 
secret and implacable enemy of the whites By his art 
and eloquence, he united all the neighboring tribes in tlie 
hon'ible design of destroying every man, woman, and child, 
in the English settlements. 

38. The plan was concerted and matured, with all the 
secrecy and dissimulation which characterize the savages. 
While intent on their plot, they visited tlie settlements, 
lodged in the houses, bought arms of tlie English, and even 
borrowed their boats to enable tliem to accomplish their 
barbarous purpose. 

3^). On the evening before the fatal day, they brought 
tliem presents of game ; and tlie next morning came freely 
among tliem, behaving ns usual. Suddenly, precisely at 
mid-day, the blow fell, at tlie sam.e instant, upon the un- 
suspecting settlers ; and three hundred and forty -seven men, 
women, and childrou, were victims to savage treachery 
and cruelty. The massacre would have been more ex- 
tensive had not a domesticated Indian, residing in one of 



VIRGliNIA. 33 

he villages, revealed the plot to his master, whom he had 
been solicited to murder. Information was instantly given 
to some of the nearest settlements, and just in time to 
save them from tlie calamity which fell upon the others. 

40. The horrid spectacle'before them roused the Eng- 
lish from repose to vengeance. A vindictive and exter- 
minating war succeeded. The wliites Avere victorious, 
destroying many of tlieir enemies, and obliginj^ the re- 
mainder to retire far into the wilderness. But their own 
mmiber melted away before tiie miseries of war; their settle* 
ments were reduced from eighty to eight, and famine again 
visited them with its afflicting scourge. In lt>24, out of 
nine tliousand pei-sons, who had been sent from England, 
but eit^teen hundred existed in the colony. 

41. These continual misfortunes attracted the attention 
of king James. He revoked tlie charter which he had 
granted, and committed the managem.ent of all the afliiirs 
of the colony to a governor and twelve counsellors, who 
were to be appointed by tlie king, and to be guided by his 
mstructions. Of these instructions, those concerning to- 
bacco, the principal article exported from the colony, may 
be taken as a sample. It was ordained that those who 
raised it should not themselves be permitted to dispose of 
It, but should export it to England, and deliver it to certain 
designated agents ; and they alone were authorized to sell it 

42. Under such arbitrar}' regulations, the people lived 
and suffered, until the year 1()36, when sir John Harvey 
held the office of governor. He was haughty, rapacious, 
unfeeling, and fitted, by his disposition, to exercise power 
in tlie true spirit of his instructions. Inflamed to mad- 
ness by his oppressions, tlie Virginians, in a fit of popular 
rage, seized and sent him a prisoner to England. At the 
same time, they despatchea two deputies charged t5 
represent tJie grievances of the colony and the governor's 
misconduct *■ 

43. Charles I^ who waa then king, indignant at tlie 
violent proceeding, received the deputies sternly, and sent 
back tlie governor, invested with all his fonner powere. 
He was, however, m 16^31), succeeded by sir William 
Berkeley, who was instructed again to allow the Virgini- 
ans to elect representatives. Such was their gratitude to 
the kin^ for tins favor, that during the civil wars between 
lum and lus parliament, they were fliithful to the royal 
cause^and continued faithful even after he was dethroned 
and his son th-ivcn into exile. 



24 ViROrNlA. 

44. The parliament, irritated by this conduct of tho 
Virginians, sent sir George Ayscue, in 165% -witli a pow- 
erfin fleet, to reduce tlicinto submission. Berkeley, with 
more spirit than prudence, opposed this force ; but after 
making a gallant resistance, he was obliged to yield. He 
obtained the most favorable terms for the colony, but ask- 
ed no stipulations in his own favor. Withdrawing to a 
retired situation, he lived beloved and respected by the 
peonle. 

45. For nine years afterwards, governors appointed by 
Cromwell continued to preside over the colony. But the 
prtedilection for royalty, which the inhabitants had dis- 
played, was remembered, and they were less favored than 
those of Now England, wlio, like tlie predominant party 
in Great Britain, Avere republicans in politics, and puritans 
in religion. Arbitrary restrictions upon the commerce of 
Virginia cliecked its prosperity, and produced discontent. 
At length, the sudden death of governor MatthcAvs afford- 
ed, to the adJierents of the royal cause, a favorable oppor- 
tunity, which they "fladly seized, to proclaim Charles II., 
and to invite Berkeley to resume the authority of govern- 
or. He consented, requiring only their solemn promise 
to hazard their lives and fortunes in supporting the cause 
they had espoused. 

40. At this period, no intclhgence had been received of 
the death of Cromwell. Fortunately for the colony, that 
event happened soon after; the king whom they had pro- 
claimed was restored to the th.rone ; and Virmnia for a long 
time boasted, tliat she was tlie last of the British donun- 
ions that submitted to Cromwell, and the first tJiat re- 
turned to her allegiance. 

47. Charles II. confirmed sir William Berkeley in 
he office of governor ; but with characteristic ingrati- 
tude, he neglected the interests of the colony, and even 
imposed additional restrictions upon its commerce. He 
also granted to his favorites large tracts of land which 
belonged to the colony. These injuries, inflicted by a 
hand which ought to have bestowed favors, wounded the 
feelifngs of the Virginians, and produced murmurs and com- 
plaints. No relief being granted, an open and turbulent 
insurrection was the consequence. 

48. At the head of the insurg'ents was Nathaniel Bacon. 
Ho was a lawyer, educated inXiOndon, and was appointed 
a member of the council, a short time after his emigration 
to Virginia. Hr ^vn^ young, bold, ambitious : his person 



VIRGINIA. 35 

engaging", and his elocution commanding. He harangued 
the Citizens upon their grievances ; inflamed their resent- 
ment against their rulers ; declaimed particularly ao^ainst 
the languor with wliich the war, then existmg "with the 
Indians, had been conducted ; and such was the effect of his 
representations, that he was elected general by the people. 

49. He applied to the governor for a commission con- 
firming this election, and offered instantly to march, at the 
head of the citizens, against tJie savages. Sir VVilliaro 
indignantly refused, and issued a procJamation command- 
ing the insurgents to disperse. Bacon bad advanced too 
far to recede with honor or safety. He hastened, at the 
head of six hundred armed followers, to .lamestown, sur- 
rounded the house where the governor and council were 
assembled, and repeated his demand. 

50. Tbe council, intimidated by the threats of the en- 
raged multitude, hastily prepared a commission, and, by 
their entreaties, prevailed on the governor to sign it. Ba- 
con and his troops then began their march ag-ainst the 
Indians. But the council, when relieved from their fears, 
declared the commission void, and proclaimed liim a rebel. 
Enraged at this conduct, he instantly returned, with all 
his forces, to .Tamestown. The governor fled, the council 
dispersed, and he found himself m possession of supreme 
power. To give it some show of legality, he called togeth- 
er the most considerable gentlemen in the colony, Avho 
bound themselves by oath to support his authority. 

51. Some districts remained tjiithful to Berkeley, who 
collected forces, and made im'».>Hds into those sections 
wJiere Bacon's authority was recognised. The latter re- 
taliated, and for some montiis, a civil war, witli all it3 
peculiar horrors, raged in Virginia. Jamestown was burned, 
and some of the finest and best cultivated districts wer« 
laid waste. 

52. Kin^ Charles, informed of the situation of affairs, 
despatched a body of troops to the assistance of Bcrke'-' v. 
Bacon and liis followers, unintijnidated by their approacii, 
determined to o])pose them ; but when prepared to take 
the field, this daring and successful leader, having exer- 
cised the supreme power for seven montlis, sickened and 
died ; and no person being found among the insurgents 
qualified to supply his place, as the general of an army or 
as a popular leader, they laid down their amis and dis- 
pereed. 

53. Goveruoj B^^keley again assumed tiio supreme 



86 MASSAC KUSEl^i'a 

auliionty, and finding tJie rebels in his power, pursued them 
witli unsparing iTgcr. Many were tried by courts martial, 
and executed, i he assembly interfered, praying him to 
stop the work of death, and enacted laws which gradually 
restored tranquillity. Soon after, sir William returned to 
Endand, and his authcnty devolved on colonel Jeffreys, 
the lieutenant-governor. Under Ms administration, peace 
was concluded with tlie Indians ; and notwithstanding the 
tyrannical regulations of tlie king, and the oppressive re- 
strictions upon commerce, the coTony increased in wealth 
and population. In the year 1(J88, Uie number of inhabit- 
ants exceeded 60,000. 

54. Between tliis period and the commencement of the 
Frencli war of 1756', an account of which 'vvill be found in 
a subsequent chapter, but few events occiured in the 
colony of sufficient importance to find a place in history 
Its position, remote from the settlements of the French in 
Canada, and of th.e Spaniards in Florida, was favorable to 
its quiet. New England and New York, on the one hand, 
Georgia and tiie Carolinas on the otlier, protected it from 
savage incursions. Its affairs Avere adimnistered by gov- 
ernors appointed by the king, and representatives chosen 
by tlie people. 

55. The laudable efforts of these representatives, to ar- 
rest the progTCss of slavery in the colony, ought not to be 
passed over in silence. Convinced of its inhumanity, and 
foreseeing the dreadful evils wliich it must prodtice, they 
often paijsed laws proh'-bitrng the importation of slaves ; 
but those who were higher in authority, yielding to the 
wishes of merchants engaged in the abominable traffic, 
persisted, with criminal obstinacy, in witliholding^ tlieir 
assent England, not America, is responsible for the 
wretchedness wliich her kings and her officers were 
often importuned, but refused, to avert. 



CHAPTER XL 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Of Uie two compames incorporated by lung James, an 
account of the proceedings and dissolution of one, and a 
history of the colony it founded, have been given in tJie 
preceding chapter. ' To the otiier, or Plymouth Company 



MASSACHUSETTS. 8? 

waa assigned a portion of the American continent lying 
farther to the north, and at that time called North Virginia. 

2. The latter, in 1G06, the year in which both were in- 
corporated, despatched a ship to make discoveries within 
the limits of its ^rant Before the voyage was completed, 
she was captured by the Spaniards. Anotlier ship, after- 
wards sent for the same purpose, returned with such a fa- 
vorable account of the territory, that the company was en- 
couraged to proceed in the undertaking. 

3. The next year, forty-five men were sent over and left 
at the mouth of the river Kennebec. In 1608, dispirited 
by tlie hardships triev had endured, they returned to Eng- 
land in ships which had brought them provisions and suc- 
cors. The company, disappomted and dissatisfied, desisted 
for a while from all attempts to effect a settlement. 

4. In 1614, John Smith, tlie same who acted a conspic- 
uous part in the settlement of Virginia, made a voyage 
to tliis northern country, touching first at the mouth of the 
Kennebec. Sailing thence, in an open boat, he surveyed 
the coast to the southern boundary of Massachusetts bay. 
The northern promontory he named Tragabigzanda, in hon- 
or of the Turkish lady to whom he had formerly been a 
slave. The three small islands, lying near the head of 
the promontorj', he called the Three Turks' Heads, in 
memory of his victory over the three Turkish chanipions. 
Both appellations have been changed for others. On his 
return to England, he presented to prince Charles a map 
of the country, and gave him such a glowing description 
of its beauty and excellence, that he, m the warmth of his 
admiration, declared it should bear the name of New 
England. 

5. Smith afterwards made an attempt to transport a col- 
ony thitlier, which was unsuccessful ; and New England 
might long have remained the abode of wild beasts and 
savages only, had not motives, more powerful tlian the 
love of gaui or of perilous adventures, impelled men, dif- 
fering from all others who had been the founders of colo- 
nies, to select it as the place of their residence. 

6. In the beginning of the seventeenth century, James 
I asserted and maintained a despotic power over tlie 
consciences of liis English subjects. AU who presumed 
to dissent fi-om the creed which he had adopted were 
persecuted Avith extreme rigor. In that age, tne maxim 
was avowed by ecclesiastics of all sects, as well as poli- 
ticians, that unifonnity in religion was essential to tlie 



28 MASSACHUSETTS, 

repose of socif ty, and that it was therefore the nght anc 
duty of every scvcreign to preserve it in his dominions, by 
tiie exercise of all his powers ofrestrauit and punishment. 

7. But free inquiry nad lately received such an impulse 
from the success or Luther and the other reformers, that 
tiie civil authority was nnable to arrest or control it. Va- 
rious sects arose, dissenting from the established religion, 
and all distinguished by their democratic tenets resnectinj^ 
church government Persecuted at home, a small num- 
ber, belonging to the sect which were afterwards called 
Independents, removed to Levden, in Holland, where they 
formed a distinct society under the care of tlicir pastor, 
the Rev. John Robinson'. 13y their rigid virtues a^d ex- 
emplary deportment, tliey acquired the respect of the ma- 
gistrates and citizens. 

8. After residing several years in that city, various con- 
siderations induced them to resolve to leave it. In 1G18, 
they applied to the London, or South Virginia, Company 
for a grant of land in America; and to ensure success, 
tliey observed, "that they were well weaned from the del- 
icate milk of tlie motJier countrv, and inured to the diffi- 
culties of a strange land; that they were knit together by 
a strict and sacred bond, by virtue of which they lield 
themselves bound to take care of tlie good of each other 
8,nd of tlie whole ; that it was not witli tliem as with otlier 
men, whom small tilings could discourage, or small dis- 
contents cause to wish themselves home again." 

9. A grant was obtained, and in SeptemlDer, 1620, a part 
of them set sail for Hudson's river; but the master of tlie 
sliip, bribed, it is saiil, by the Dutch, who claimed the 
sole right of trading in thnt quarter, earned them farther 
north ; and the first land thev discovered was Cnpe Cod. 
This, tliey were aware, was beyoud the limits of the Lon-. 
don Company, but it was noAv 'November, and too late in 
tlie season to put again to sea. They therefore determined 
to land at the first place they could find suitable for a set- 
tlement, 

10. Before leavmg tlie ship, the heads of families and 
freemen, forty-one in number, signed a solemn covenant, 
combining themselves into a body politic for the purpose 
of making equal laws for the general good. They ordamed 
that a governor and assistants sliould be annually chosen^ 
but the sovereign power remained in the ^\'hole body of 
fi-eemen. John Carver was elected governor. 

11. On tho lltli of December, (O. S.,] they landed on a 



MASSACJIUSBTrS. SU 

desolate coast Sterile sands and gloomy forests were the 
only objects that met their view. The severity of the 
cold, greater than tliey had ever experienced, admonished 
them to seek protection against it; and their first employ 
ment was the erection of nuts in the most convenient and 
sheltered situations. In these miserable abodes they 
passed the winter, those at least who survived it. By the 
succeeding- spring, one half of their number had perished 
exhausted by continual suffering, and by the privation of 
everj^ worldly comfort ■which they had Deen accustomed 
to enjoy. 

12. Their settlement wfis found to be witiiin the limits 
of the Plymouth Company, from which they solicited and 
obtained a grant of land ; but they were never incorporated 
by the king. They called the place New Plymouth. 
They often received small additions to their number, 
which, in 1G30, amounted to tliree hundred. 

13. In the mean time, the same causes that drove Mr. 
Robinson and his congregation from England had continued 
to operate, A class oi dissenters, denominated puritans 
from the austerity o their manners, and from their claims 
to superior purity in worship and discipline, had become 
numerous ; and as, by their new mode of worship, they 
violated the laws of tlie land, they were prosecuted as crim- 
inals. Their faith was confirme'd and their zeal increased 
by their sufferings ; and having learned that complete re- 
ligious freedom was enjoyed at New Plymouth in America, 
they naturally directed their thoughts to that country, as a 
secure asylum from persecution. 

14. In 1627, an association of puritans, residing at Dor- 
chester and the vicinity, v/as fonned for the purpose of 

El anting a colony in New England, to wliich they and their 
rethren might repair, and, m seclusion and safety, wor- 
ship God according to the dictates of conscience. They 
obtiiined from the Plymoutli Company a grant of the ter- 
ritory Avhich now constitutes a part of the state of Mas- 
sachusetts, and sent over, under the direction of John En- 
dicott, a small number of people, to begin a plantation. 
These, in September, landed at a place called, oy the In- 
dians, Naumkeak, and, by tliemselves, Salem. 

15. The next year, they obtained a charter from tlie 
crown, by which the usual powers of a corporation were 
conferretl upon tJie OTantees, by tlie name of tne " Governor 
and Company of Massachusetts Bay, in New England." 
It ordained, that the otKcers of the company should be a 

3* 



90 MASSACriUSEl^a 

fovemor, a deputy governor, and eighteen assistants, to 
8 named, in me first instance, by tlie crown, and after- 
wards elected by the ( orporation. Four stated meetings 
of all tlie members were to be held annually, under the 
denomination of the General Court, at which tliey Avere 
authorized to admit freemen or members, and to make 
such ordinances or laws, not repugnant to the laws of 
Enp-land, as they might deem expedient. The colonists, 
ana their descendants, were declared to be entitled to all 
the rights of natural born English subjects. 

16. At a General Court, held at London, in 1629, the 
officers prescribed by the charter were elected, and seve- 
ral ordmances were adopted for the government of the 
company. Three hundred people were sent over, of whom 
one hundred, dissatisfied Avith the situation of Salem, re- 
moved to Charlestown. Religion was the first object of 
tlieu* care m the country they had adopted. A religioug 
covenant was aojeed upon, and a confession of faith drawn 
up, to which their assent was given. Pastors were choser^ 
?ind were, from necessity, installed into tlieir sacred offices 
JV the imposition of the iiands of the brethren. 

17. The ensuing winter was a period of uncommon suf- 
fering and sickness. The cold was intense ; the houses 
were unfinished ; the provisions were insufficient and un- 
wholesome. Before sprino-, nearly half tlieir number 
perished, "lamentmg that uiey could not live to see tlie 
rising glories of the faithful." 

18. Tiiese calamities had some effect in detemng otliers 
from joining them ; but the consideration that the general 
courts were held, the officers elected, and the laws enacted, 
in London, had still "-reater influence. It did not comport 
with tlie views ancf feelings of those who disdained to 
submit to authority in matters of faith, to consent to re- 
move to the new workl, and there be governed by laws 
whicn they could have no part in enacting. Representa- 
tions to this effect were made to the company, who re- 
solved that tlie government and patent should be removed 
to Massachusetts. 

19. This wise resolution gave such encouragement to 
emigration, that, in 1630, more than fifteen hundred per- 
sons' came over, and founded Boston and several adjacent 
towns. Of these persons, all were respectable, and many 
were from illustrious and noble iamilies. Havino- been 
accustomed to a life of ease and enjoyment, their sufferings, 
the first year, were greai, and proved fatal to many ; among 



MASSACHUSETTS. 31 

others, to the lady Arabella, who, to use the woida of aji 
early historian of the country, "came from a paradise of 
plenty and pleasure, in the taniily of a noble earl, hito a 
wilderness of wants ; and although celebrated for her many 
virtues yet was not able to encounter the adversity she 
was surrounded with ; and, in about a month after her ar- 
rival, she ended her days at Salem, where she first land- 
ed." Mr. Johnson, her husband, overcome witli grief 
s;irvived her but a short time. 

20. Jielore December two hundred perished. On tlie 
24th of that month, the cold became intense. Such a 
Christmas-eve they had never before known. Yet the in- 
clemency of tlie weather continued to increase. They 
M ere almost destitute of provisions, and many were obliged 
to subsist on clams, muscles, and other shell fish, with 
nuts and acorns instead of bread. Many more died ; but 
in this extremity, tliat ardor of conviction which com- 
Deiled them to emigrate, remained in full force, and tliey 
met, with a firm, unshaken spirit, the calamities wtiica 
assailed them. 

21. One great object of tJie puritans, in retiring to the 
unoccupied "regions of New England, was the establish- 
.•nent of a religious Cdmmonwealth, as nearly upon the 
model of that of the Jews as the ditference of circum- 
stamtes would admit. To accomplish this object, they 
deemed it necessary, and at a general court, held m 1(>JJ, 
they ordained, that none^but those who had made a pro- 
fession of religion, and had become members of some 
church, should be admitted members of the corporation, or 
enjoy the privilege of voting. 

2*i. Tins law has been too severely censured by those 
who have lived in more liberal and enlightened times. It 
contradicted none of the professions oi the puritans It 
was in strict accordance witli the avowed motives of their 
emijrration. It exhibited less intolerance than was then 
displayed by every otlier nation. It violated the rights of 
510 one, for no one could claim a right to come into tlie 
teiTit( iry which tJiey liad purchased. And it was doubtless 
essential, such was then the temper of men's minds, to 
tlie repose of their little society 

23. The colonists had frequently been alarmed, but nev- 
er yet attacked, by the Indians. These were not in ikct, 
m a condition to do much injury A fev^' years, before the 
arrival of the English, a contagious distemper swept tr/'ay 
a cieat number, ahnosi externiinatioi; severallribes. In 



S2 MASSACHussTrra 

l&^, the small pox destroyed many who had survived the 
pestilence ; and the territory, contiguous to the first set- 
tlements of the Eng-lish, seemed to have been providen- 
tially made vacant for their reception. As an attack from 
this quarter was, however, possible, and as the French, 
who had a trading establishment at Acadia, had discovered 
Bome symptoms of hostility, it was thought advisable to 
erect fortihcations at Boston, and otlier places, and to open 
a correspondence witli their neighbors at INew Plymouth. 

24. So far from the capital had the settlements extend 
ed, that it was found extremely inconvenient for all tlie 
freemen to assemble and transact the necessary public 
busin,ess. In 1<>34, the mode of legislation was altered, 
by tlie general conscHt of the towns. They delegated to 
twenty-four representatives tlie authority granted, by the 
charter, to the whole body of freemen. This important 
alteration was adopted the more readily, as the emigrants 
had been familiar, in tlieir native country, with the repre- 
Bontative system. The appellation of General Court, 
which had been applied to all the freemen when assembled, 
was now transferred to their representatives. 

25. la tlie same year, Roger Williams, the minister of 
Salem, having occasioned disturbances, by advancing ten- 
ets considered not only heretical but seditious, and oeing' 
found irreclaimable, was ordered to leave the colony. He 
retired to Rehobotli, which was tlien within the jurisdic- 
tion of Plyinoutli. 

2i). In l(i'i5, Massachusetts received from England a 
large number of inhabitants ; and among them came two 
who afterwards acted conspicuous parts in the affairs of 
tlicir native country. One was Hugh Peters, wlio was 
subseiiuently a chaplain of Oliver Cromwell ; the other was 
Mr. Vane, afterAvards sir Henry Vane. The latter was but 
twenty-five years of age ; but by liis show of great humility, 
liis grave and solemn deportment, and his ardent profes- 
sions of attachment to liberty, he stole the hearts of the 
puritans, and, the year after his arrived, was made governor 
of the colony. 

27. His popularity, however, was transient During 
ins administration, the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson, a 
ivoman who was distinguished for her eloquence, and had 
imbibed the enthusiasm of tlie age, instituted weekly 
iiieetings for pers^^ns ox lier o'»yri sex, iu which she com- 
mented on the sermons of the preceding Sunday, and ad • 
vanced certain mystical and extravagant doctrines. Theso 



MASSACHUSE1TJ3. 33 

spread rapidJy among tlie people, and many became con- 
vert-'. 

28. Governor Vane, with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wlieel- 
wrio-ht, t»vo djsting-uished clergymen, embraced them Avith 
ardor ; but lientenant-orovernor Wintlirop. and a majority 
of the churches, deemed them heretical and seditious. 
Great excitement was produced anioiif^ tJie people; many 
conferences were heln ; pubUc fasts were appointed ; a 
general synod was sunnnoned ; and after much intemper 
ate discussion, her opinions were determined to be erro- 
neous, and she and some of her adherents x^-cve banishec^ 
from the colony. 

29. Not beinof a^ain chosen governor. Vane returned in 
disgust to Engiantt, engaged in the civil wars, wiiich soon 
after afflicted that country, sustained high offices in the 
republican purty, and after the restoration of Charles II., 
was accused of high treason, convicten and executed. 
Peters pursued a similar career, and met with the same fate. 

30. In such hi^h repute, at tliis time, were the settle- 
ments in Massachusetts, tiiat otlier Englishmen, still more 
conspicuous, had determined to leave tlieir native land, 
that they mio-ht enjoy, in a desert, the cii il and religioua 
liberty which wa« denied them at home. Among these 
were Mr. Hambden, sir Arthur Haselr.g, and Oliver 
Cromwed, whom king Charles, by ex-press order, detained, 
when on the point of embarking. Little did he imagine 
that, by this act of arbitrary power, he kept within his 
kingdom those restless votaries of freedom, who were des- 
tined to overturn his tin-one, and briiifj his head to the block. 

31. By tlie settlement of Massachusetts, tlie attention 
of emigrants was diverted from the colony of Plymouth, 
where the soil Avas less fertile. It nevertheless continued 
to increase, although slowly, in population. In ^ ih.^% the 
government of that colony built a trading house, near Hart- 
ford, wliich was the first Building erected v^dthin the boun- 
daries of Comecticut. Soon after, many persons repaired 
tiiither from Massachusetts. In ] (>3<j, K oger Williams laid 
tiie foundation of Rhode Island. Subsequently, New Hamp- 
shire and New Haven were founded, which increased to 
five the number of colonies in New England. 

32. The rapid proorress of the Eno-lisli settlements ex 
cited the jealousy of the natives. Thoy had v/elcomcd, 
without fear, the emigrants who first landed, not antici 
patjng tlieir future encroachments. The experience of a 



34 MASSAcl/USET-ra 

few years convinced tlicm tliat they must cither extemn- 
nate these invaders cf their country, or be themselves 
cxtenninated. 

33. Witliin the boundaries of Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut, lived two -vrarlike tribes, the Pequods and Nar- 
rag-ansets. The fonner were hostile, the latter friendly, 
to the whites. Between the two tribes an mveterate 
enmity existed ; but the more sagacious and politic Pequods 
proposed that all animosities sJiould be forg'otten, and their 
united stren^ directed a^-ahist their invaders, before tliey 
had become too strong to be resisted. At first the Narra- 
gansets wavered ; but their hatred of tlie Pequods over- 
poAvered the suggestions of policy. They disclosed the 
proposal to the English, and invited them to join in a war 
against their common enemy. 

34. The colonies were roused to a sense of their dan- 
ger. In H537, Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, 
agreed to unite their forces, and attempt the entire de- 
struction of the Pequods. Captain Mason, with eighty 
men, principally from Connecticut, and tiiree hundred 
friendly Indians, was immediately sent into the country 
of the enejny. Early in the morning of the 26th of May 
he attacked one of the principal villages, which had been 
surrounded witli palisades. The resistance was brave 
and obstinate, and the issue of the battle for some time 
doubtful ; but the whites, forcing their way into the en- 
closure, set fire to the wigwams, and then, retreating a 
short distance, surrounded the totvTi, Many of the In- 
dians perished in tlie flamt^s ; otlicrs were shot, in tlieir 
attempts to flee. Of five or six hundred, within the 
enclosure, but few escaped. The English troops, of whom 
two Avere killed and sixteen wounded, returned in triumph 
to Hartford. 

.35. In June, another body of troops, principally from 
Ma^ssachusett"^, marched into tiie enemy's country, sur- 
rounded a swamp, hito which a party of them had retired, 
and took eighty captive. Some escaping, tliey were pur 
sued to another swamp, situated near New Ha^en, where 
the Avhole strength of tiie tribe was collected. This was, 
m like manner, surrounded ; a sharp contest ensued; but 
the whites M-ere again victorious. Two hundred Pequods 
were killed or made prisoners. The remainder fled to the 
country of the Mohawks. The brilliant success of the 
English, in tliis first and short vrar witii tlie natives, gave 



MASSACHUSETTS. 85 

ihe neighboring tribes such an exalted idea of their 
prowess, that, for nearly forty years, they were neither 
attacked ncr molested. 

36. Ten years had now elapsed since the first settle- 
ment was made at Salem. It has been computed that, 
within tliat time, twenty -one thousand persons arrived in 
Massachusetts. The dissenters in England having ob- 
tained the ascendency in the government, all motives for 
emigration ceased; and it is supposed that, for many years 
afterwards, more persons returned to England, than came 
from England to the colonies. 

37. Such, however, were the character and virtues of 
the emigrants ; such the power over difficulties which 
Jieir resolute minds, and bodies hardened by labor, had 
imparted to them, tliat they continued to increjise, wtli 
astonishing rapidity, in wealth and numbers. And a vote 
of the house of commons, stating that " the plantations in 
Nev/ England had had good and prosperous success, with- 
out any public charge to the state," is quoted, by a historian 
of tliose times, as an honorable testimony of tlie hign 
merit of tiie colonists. 

38. Circumstances and events had already impressed a 
character upon them, which, though softened in its -worst 
features by tlie progress of refinement, still distinguishes 
their aescendants. Persecution made them bigots ; piety 
made tJiem moral ; poverty made tliem frugal ; incessant 
toil made tliem hardy and robust; dreary solitudes made 
them gloomy and superstitious ; their numerous clergy ana 
well-educated leaders made them venerate literature and 
the sciences. 

39. Four of the New England colonies, Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, Piymoutli, and New Haven, aporehending 
danger trom tlie Indians, from tlie Dutch, at New Vor£ 
and from tlie French, at Acadia, fonned, in 1643, a firm and 
perpetual league, offensive and defensive. By tlie articles 
of tJiis league, each colony was to appoint two commission- 
ers, who were to assemble, by rotation, in tlie respective 
colonies, and were empowered to enact ordinances ofgeneral 
concern; and, incase of invasion, each colony was bound, 
upon the application of three magistrates ot the invaded 
colony, to furnish a stipulated proportion of men and money. 

40. Strengthened by this league, the colonies were re- 
spected by their civilized and savage neighbors. With 
the Frencli, under D'Aulney, Massachusetts had a long 
and troublesome dispute ; which was adjusted, iti 1(5-14, by 



36 MASSACHUSETTS. 

a treaty made by gvovemor Endicott, and afterwards ratified 
by the commissioners. 

41. When representatives were first chosen, they sat 
and voted in the same chamber with the assistants. In 
J<)85, wJien Mr. Hooker apphed for pcnnission to fomi a 
settlement on Connecticut river, a majority of the assist 
ants voted ag-ainst f^ranting permission ; but a m.ajority of 
the whole assembly in favor of it. The representatives 
contended that a majority of the assistants was not neces- 
Eary, and that tlie vote had passed in the affirmative. 
The assistants claimed to be a distinct branch of tlie legis- 
lature, and conte uied that it had passed in the negative. 

42. No provision having been made for a case of this 
Ivind, an adjoiirmnent, for a week, took place ; a public fast 
was appointed, and the divine direction implored in all tlie 
congregations. AViien the assembly again met, a seraion 
was preached, by Mr. Cotton, which induced the repre- 
sentatives to yiofd to the claim of the assistants. In 1644, 
the dispute ^v•ds renewed, and the assistants were again 
victorious. Tlie representatives then proposed that the 
two classes sliould sit apart, and fonn distinct bodies, and 
in tliis proposition the assistants concurred. 

48. The contest between the king and parliament at 
length resulted in open war; and tiie New England colo- 
nies, actuated by the same feeling as tlie puritans in Eng- 
land, embraced, Avith ardor, the cause o'l tlie latter. The 
parliament rewarded this attachment by exempting them 
from all taxes ; and when the supreme authority devolved 
upon Cromwell, as protector of the liberties of England, 
they found in him a friend no less sincere and zealous. 

44. After the conquest of Ireland, he invited them, to 
return and settle in that country ; and, subsequently, having 
conquered Jamaica, he endeavored to persuade them to 
remove to that fertile island, and more genial climate. ' But 
his arguments and solicitations were unavailing. They 
enjoyed, in their present abode, complete religious ft-ee 
dom, and that privilege they were unwilling to hazard in 
pui-suit of advantagesless essential to their happiness. 

45. In 1 041, the settlements of New Hampshire were 
incorporated with Massacl«isetts. And, in 1()52, the in- 
habitants of the province of Maine were, at their own re- 
quest, taken vmder iier protection. This province had 
been granted to sir Ferdinand Gorges, who, in liW, firsl 
established a government over it. In 1640, a generd 
court wag held at Saco. Upon the death of the orourietor 



MASSACHUSETTS. JJ? 

m 1G49, most of the officers whom he liad appointed, de- 
serted it, and the people found it necessary to resort else- 
where for protection. — • 

4(>. In 1()5(), several Q,iiakers arrived in tlie colony. In 
this a^e of enthusiasts, tliese sectarians partook of the 
a]l-per\'adin^ enthusiasm. The behavior of some of 
tliem, moved as they doubtless supposed by a divine im- 
pulse, gave great oncnce to the rigid puritans. For their 
conduct, inconsistent with tlie high respect which was 
♦houg-lit to be due to m.agistrates and ministers, they were 
first nnprisoned and tlien banished. A law was passed 
prohibiting Quakers from coming into tlie colony, imposin;^ 
the penalty of banishment upon the first offence, and ot 
death upon such as should return after banishment Four, 
who were so excited as to return and obtrude themselves 
upon tlie notice of the govornmout, suffered the death 
which they appi^ared to seek. This cruel, unjust, and 
impolitic law was soon afterwards re)>e;ded. 

47. Cromwell, who had goveriKxl England with greater 
abdity and higher merit than most of her kings, died 
m 1658, and after an interval of two years, Charles II., 
a prince destitute of honor and virtue, waa recalled from 
exile, and placed upon the tlirone. He was reluctantly 
acknowledt^ed by the colonies, of New England. They 
had been tJie favorites of the pnrliament and the protec 
tor, and apprehended, with good reason, the loss of their 
civil and religious privileges. 

48. A short time after, Whalley and Goffb, two of the 
judges who had sentenced Charles I. to be beheaded, hav- 
mg fled before the return of his successor, arrived in New 
England. Their first place of residence was Cambridge ; 
nut they often appeared publicly in Boston, particularly or 
Sundays and other days of religions solemnities. They 
had sustained high rank in Cromwell's army, were men 
of uncommon talents, and by tiieir dignified manners and 
grave deportment, commanded universal respect. 

49. As soon as it was known that they were excepted 
firom the general pardon, the governor suggested to the 
court of assistants the expediency of arrestiiig them. A 
majority opposed it, and many members of the general 
court gave them assurar.ces of protection. (Considering 
tliemselves, however, unsafe at Cambridge, they remove? 
to New Haven, wjiere they were received with great re 

-epect by tlie clergy and magistrates. 

50. Afler a short residence there, enjoying, in private, 

4 



36 iMASSAClIUSETl'S. 

the society of tiieir friends, the governor of Massachusette 
received a mandate to arrest mem. A waiTant was mi- 
mediatoly issued, authorizing tAvo zealous loyalists to 
search for, and seize them, wherever found, in New Eng- 
land. They hastened to the colony of New Haven, ex- 
hibited fJie warrant to the (governor, who resided at Guil- 
ford, and requested liini to furnish authority and assistants 
to pursue them. Desirous of favoring the exiles, he affect- 
ed to dehberate until tlie next momint^, and then utterly 
declined acting officially, without the advice of his council. 

51. In the mean time, they Avere apprized of their dan- 
ger, and retired to a new place of concealment The pur- 
Buers, on arriving at New Haven, searciied every sus- 
pected house, except the one where the judges were con- 
cealed* This they began to search, but were induced, by 
the address of tlie mistress of it, to desist. When the 
pursuers had departed, the judges, retiring into the woods, 
fixed their abode in a cave. 

52. Ha^dng there heard that their friends were tlireat- 
ened with punishment, for having afforded them protection, 
tJiey came from their hiding plac* for the purpose of de- 
iivonng themselves up ; but tiieir friends, r.ctuated by feel- 
ings equally noble and generous, persuaded them to relin 
ouish tlieir intention. Sen after, they removed to Mil- 
ord, where they remained about two years. 

53. Upon the arrival of otlier persons, instructed to ap- 
prehend them, they repaired privately to Hadley, in Mas- 
sachusetts, where tliey resided fifteen or sixteen vears, 
but few persons being acquainted with the place oi their 
concealment. There is, in that neighborhood, a tradition, 
tliat many years afterwards two graves were discovered 
in the minister's cellar ; and in fliese, it Avas supposed, 
they had been interred. At New Haven, tv/o graves arc 
shown, said to be those of the two judges. It is not im- 
probable tliat tkeir reniains AA'ere removed to tliis place from 
HadJey. 

54. A singular incident avIucIi occurred at tlie latter 
place, in 16/5, shows that one of these illustrious exiles 
had not forgotten tlie avocations of his youth. The people, 
at tlie time of public worship, were alarmed by an attack 
from the Indians, and thrown into the utrno-^^t confusion. 
Suodenly, a grave, elderly person apjjeared, differing in his 
mien and dres.s from all around him. lie put himself at 
then- hea(iy rallied, encouraged, and led them against Uie 
enemy, avIio Avere repulsed and ccnnplctely defeated. As 
suddenly, Uie deliverer of Hadley disappeared. The people 



MASSACHUSEITS. 89 

were lost in amazement, and many verily believed that an 
ansfel sent from heaven had led tliem to victory. 

55. Their treatment of the kinq-'ts jvidgos, and in truth 
all tlieir conduct, evinced the republican snirit of tlie colo- 
nists. By Uie royal government of England, they could 
not, therefore, be regarded witli favor. In 16'f>3, it was 
enacted, tiiat no European commodity should be imported 
into the colonies, unless shipped directly from England, 
and in British vessels. By tins regulation, in connection 
witli otliers that had been previously made, all the trade 
of the colonies was secured to the mother country. Tliey 
submitted reluctantly to these restrictions, and often made 
them the subject of complaint. But England, believing 
that they augmented her wealtli and power, obstinately 
refused to repeal tliem. 

5(J. In 1664, the king despatched four commissioners 
to visit tlie several colonies in New England, to examine 
mto their condition, to hear and decide complaints, and to 
make to him a report of tlieir proceedings and obsen'ations. 
This measure wa.s dictated by no friendly motive, and Avae 
considered by the colonies as a violation of their charters. 

57. Tlie first session of the commissioners was at Plym- 
outh, where but httle business w^as transacted ; tlie next 
in Rhode Island, where tJiey heard coniplaints from the 
Indians, and all who were discontented, and made divers 
detennina-tions respecting titles to land, which w^ere but 
little regarded. In Massachusetts, !^he general court com- 
plied with such of tlieir requisitions as Qiey thought prop- 
er ; but, professing sincere loyalty to his majesty, declined 
acknowledo-ing their autliority, and protested against the 
exercise oi^it within tlieir limits. 

58. In consequence of this manly assertion of their 
chartered rights, an angry correspondence took place be- 
tween them, at the close of wliicli tlie commissioners petu- 
lantly told the general court, " tliat they would lose no 
more of tJieir labors upon them," but would represent tlieir 
conduct to his majesty. 

59. From Boston, the commissioners proceeded to New 
Hampsliire, v/hore they exercised several acts of govern- 
ment, and offered to release tlie inhabitants from the juris- 
diction of Massachusetts. This offer mos almost unani- 
mously rejected. In Maine, they excited ij^iorc diisturbance. 
Thev encouraged the people to declare tJiemselves inde- 
pendent, and found many disposed to listen to their sug- 
gestions; but Massachusetts^' by a prompt and vigorous 



40 M ASS ACn USETTS. 

exertion of power, constrained the disaffected to submit to 
ner authority. 

60. Connecticut appears to have been the favorite of the 
commissioners. She treated them witli respect, and com- 
plied with tlieir requisitions. In return, they made such 
a representation of her merits 'm the king, as to draw from 
him a letter of thanks. " Although," says he, " your car- 
riao-e doth of itself most justly deserve our praise and ap- 
probation, yet it seems to be set off witJi more lustre ])y 
the contrary behavior of the colony of Massachusetts." 

61. At the end of fifty years 'from the arrival of the 
emigrants at Plymouth, the New England colonies were 
supposed to contain one hundred and twenty towns, and 
as many thousand inhabitants. The acts of parliament 
not being rigidly enforced, their trade had become exten- 
sive and profitable. The habits of industry and economy, 
which had been formed in less liappy tunes, continued to 
prevail, and gave a competency to those Avho had nothing, 
and wealth to those who had a competency. The wilder- 
ness receded before adventurous and hardy laborers, and 
As savage inhabitants found their game dispersed, and 
Jieir favorite haunts invaded. 

62. This was the natural consequence of the sales of 
land, which were, at all times, readily made to the whites. 
Hut this consequence; the Indians did not foresee ; and 
when tliey felt it in all its force, tlie strongest passions 
were awakened which can animate civilized or savage 
man, the love of country and of independence. 

63. A leader only M^as Avanting to concentrate and du-ect 
their exertions, and Philip, of Pokanoket, sachem of a 
tribe living within the boundaries of Plymoutli and Rhode 
Island, assumed that honorable, but dangerous, station. 
His father was the friend, but he had ever been the ene- 
my of the whites ; and this enmity, arising from causes 
of national concern, had been embittered to vindictive ha- 
tred by their conduct towards his elder brother. Tliis 
brother, being suspected of plotting against them, was 
seized by a detachment of soldiers, and confined ; and tlie 
mdignity so wrought upon his proud spirit, as to produce a 
fever, that put an end to his life. 

64. Philip inherited the authority and proud spirit of his 
brother. He exerted all the arts of intrigue, and powers 
of persuasion, of which he was master, to induce the In- 
dians, in all parts of New England, to tmite their cftbrta 
for tiie destruction of tJie whites. He succeeded in form- 



MAISSACHUSErrS. 41 

mg a confederacy, able to send into action between Unea 
and fonr thousand warriors. ~~ 

65. The English were apprized of the plots of the in 
djans, and made preparations to meet tlieir hostiUties. 
They hoped, however, tliat tlie tlu'eatened stonn would 
pais by, as others hacL and that peace would be preserved. 
But the insolence of rhilip, and the number of liis adJbe- 
rents, increased daily ; and, in June, 1675, some of tiiem 
entered tlie tov/n of Swanzey, in Plymouth, where, after 
slaughtering the cattle, and plundermg the houses, they 
fire<f upon the mhabitants, killing and wounding several. 

Go. The troops of tliat colony m-archcd immediately to 
Swanzey, and were soon joined by a detachment trom 
Massachusetts. The Indians fled, and marked the course 
of their flight by burning the buildings, and fixing on poles, 
by tjie way side, tlie hands, scalps, and heads of the whites 
whom they had killed. The troops pursued, but, unable to 
overtake them, returned to Swanzey. 

67. The whole country wai? ala.nEed,and the number oi 
troops augmented. By tliis array ol" force, Philip was in^ 
duced to quit his residence at Mount Hope, and take post 
near a swamp at Pocasset, nov/ Tiverton. At that place, 
the English attacked liini, but were repulsed. Sixteen 
whites were killed, and the Indians, by this success, were 
made bolder. 

68. At this time, most of tlie settlements were sur- 
rounded by thick forests, and tiic Indians lived intermixed 
with tlie whites. The fonner were acquainted, of course, 
witli the dwellings of the latter, witli their roads, and 
places of resort ; could watch their motions, and fall upon 
tliem m their defenceless and un^iarded moments. Many 
were shot dead as they opened their doors in the morn- 
ing ; many wliile at Avorl^ in then: fields, and others while 
travelling to visit their neighbors, or places of worship. 
At all tunes, at all places, in all employments, were their 
lives in jeopardy ; and no one could tell but that in tlie 
next moment, he should receive lus deatli shot from iiia 
barn, the tliicket, or tlie way side. 

69. Whenever the enemy assembled in force, detach- 
ments were sent against them ; if wealvsr than these, they 
would retreat; if stronger, assault and conquer them. 
Defenceless villages were suddenly attacked, the houses 
burned, and the men, women, and children killed, or car- 
ried into captivity. Then* rum was the work of a mo- 
ment ; and when accompiished, its authors vanished. 

4* 



42 MASSACIIUSEITS. 

70. The colonies, losing- individuals, families and vil- 
lages, found tlieir numbers sensibly diminished ; their 
strength unpaired ; and began to apprehend even total ex- 
tinction. Notliing but a vigorous effort could save them. 
The commissioners met, and determined to despatch an 
armv of a thousand men, to attack the principal position 
of the enemy. Josiah Winslow, governor of PlymouUi, 
was appointed conmiander-in-chiet ; and a solemn fast, to 
mvoke the divine aid, was proclaimed tlironghout New 
Eno-Uiiid. 

/J. On the 18th of December, the different bodies of 
troops formed a junction at a place in the country of the 
Narragansets, about fifteen miles from the enemy. The 
weather was extremely cold, but the men, from necessityj 
passed tlie night, uncovered, in the fields. At dawn of 
day, they began their march, wading through tlie deep 
snow, and at one o'clock, arrived near the enemy's post, 
which was upon a rising ground, in the midst of a swamp. 
It was surroundedby palisades, and on the outside of tliese 
was a fence of brush, a rod in width. 

72. Here was fought the most desperate battle recorded 
m the early annals of the country. It continued tliree 
hours. The English obtained a decisive victory. One 
thousand Indian warriors were killed ; tliree hundred more, 
and as many women and children, were made prisoners. 
But dearly was the victory purchased. Six brave cap- 
tains, and eighty men, Avere lolled, and one hundred and 
fifty were wounded. 

7'i. From tiiis blow, the confederated Indians never re- 
covered ; but they still remained sufficiently strong to 
harass the settlements by continual inroads. In retalia- 
tion, the English sent several detachments into their ter- 
ritories, nearly all of wliich were successful. Captain 
Church, of Plymouth, and captain Dennison, of Connect* 
«ut, were conspicuous for their bravery and good fortune 

74. In the midst of these reverses, Philip remained firm 
and unshaken. His warriors were cut off; his chief men, 
his wife and family, were killed or taken prisoners ; and 
at tliese successive misfortunes, he is represented to have 
wept with a bitterness which proved him to possess tfie 
noblest of human virtues and aiiections ; but he disdained 
to listen to any offers of peace. He even shot one of his 
men, who proposed submission. At len^.h, after being 
hunted from swamp to swamp, he was himselT shot, by 
the broti^er of the Indian he had killed. After his death 



MASJSACHUSETTS. 43 

the remnant of his followers either submitted to the Eng- 
lish, or united witli distant tribes. 

75. JN ever Avas peace more welcome, for never had war 
been more distressmg. The whole population was in 
mourning for relatives slain. Nearly a thousand houses 
had been burned, and goods and cattle of great value had 
been plundered or destroyed. The colonies had contracted 
a heavy debt, which, their resources having been so much 
diminished, they found an almost insupportable burden. 
But, in their deepest distress, they forbore to apply to the 
motlier country tor assistance ; and this omission excited 
surprise and jealousy. " You act," said a privy counsellor, 
" as though you were independent of our master's crown ; 
and though poor, yet you are proud." 

76. In 1G80, New Hampshire, at the solicitation of John 
Mason, to Avhose ancestor a part of the territory had been 
granted, was constituted a separate colony. Massachu- 
setts, apprehending the loss of Maine also, pinrJiased of 
the heirs of Gorges tlioir claim to the soil and jurisdiction, 
for twelve hundred and fifly pounds. 

77. The disregard of the acts of trade had given great 
offence to tlie motiier country, and the governors of New- 
England were peremptorily required to enforce them. But 
being enacted by a parliament in which the colonies were 
not represented, they "were regarded as violations of their 
rights, and continued to be evaded with impunity. Ed- 
ward Randolph was tlicrefore sent over, commissioned as 
insp(;ctor of the customs in New England. He was also 
the bearer of a letter from the king, requiring that agents 
should be sent to tlie court of London, mllv empowered to 
act for the colonies. 

78. It was well understood to be the intention of the 
king to procure, frowi the agents, a surrender of the char- 
ters, or to annul them by a suit in his courts, that he might 
himself place officers over the colonies, who would be sub- 
sei-vient to his views. The inhabitants of Massachusetts 
felt that to be deprived of their charter, which secured to 
tJiem the right oi self-government, would be tlie greatest 
of calamities; and their agents were instructed, in no 
emergency, to surrender it. Tiiis bein^ known to the kin^, 
a prosecution was instituted against the corporation, and, 
in 1684, a subservient court decreed tliat the charter should 
be cancelled. 

79. All impediments to the exercise of the royal will 
Deing tJius removed, king James established a temporary 



44 MASKACiiusirrra 

ffovemment over the colony, first appointing^ Joseph Dud- 
ley, and, in KM), gir Edmund Andross, governor. Tliis 
latter appointment caused the most gloomy forebodings. 
Sir Edmund had been governor of New York, and it vvaa 
known that his conduct there had been ai'bitrary and 
tyrannical. 

80. Having secured a majority in tlie council, he aa- 
Bumed control over tlie press, appomting Randolph licenser. 
He established new and oppressive regulations concerning 
taxes, public worship, mamages, and the settlement or 
estates. He. and, by his permission, his subordinate offi- 
cers, extortea enonnous fees for their services. He de- 
clared that, the charter being cancelled, tlie old titles to 
land were of no vaUdity, and compelled the inhabitants, in 
order to avoid suits before judges dependent on his will, to 
take out new patents, for whicli large sums were demanded. 

8J. The hatred of the people was excited hi proportion 
to their sufferings. In die beginning of 1689, a rumor 
reached Boston, tliat William, prince of Orange, had in- 
vaded England, with the intention of detlironing tlie king. 
Animated by tlie hope of deliverance, the people rushed 
*^ontaneously to anns, took possession of tlie fort, seize«if 
A.ndross, Randolph, and otlier obnoxious persons, and 
' placed them in confinement A council of safety, consist- 
mg of their former magistrates, was then organized, to 
administer the government until authentic intelligence 
should be received froai England. - 

82. In a few weeks, a ship arrived, bringing the glad 
tidings that William and Mary were firmly seated on tlie 
throne. They were immediately proclaimed, in all tlie 
colonies, with unusual rejoicings. The people of Massa- 
chusetts applied for tlie restoration of their old, or the 
grant of a new charter. A definite answer was deferred, 
but the council was authorized to admimstcr the govern- 
ment, according to the provisions of tlie old charter, until 
further directions should be given. Andross, Randolpii, 
and others, were ordered home for trial. 

83. In this unsettled state of tiie country, tlie French 
m Canada and Nova Scotia instigated tlie northern and 
eastern Indians to commence hostilities agamst tlie Eng- 
lish settlements. Dover and Salmon Falls, in New 
Hampshire, Casco, in Maine, and Schenectady, in New 
York, were attacked by different parties of French and 
Indians, and the most shocking barbarities porpeti'ated 
upon Uie inhabitants. 



MASSACHUSPTITS. 45 

84. Regarding Canada as the principal source of their 
miseries, New England and New York formed the bold 
project of reducing- it to subjection. By great exertion, 
they raised an anny, which, under the command of gene- 
ral Winthrop, Avas sent against Montreal, and equipped a 
fleet, which,' commanded by su- William Phipps, was des- 
tined to attack Quebec. 

85. Both returned unsuccessful, disappointing the saii- 
gume hopes of the people, and burdening them with a debt 
which they had not tlie means of discharging. To pay 
oft* iier troops, Massachusetts put in circulation bills or 
credit or paper money, an expedient which was afterwards 
often resorted to, and. though it afforded relief at tJi€ 
moment, produced, in its consequences, extensive and 
comphcated mischief. 

86. In the mean time, a new charter had been granted 
to Massachusetts, which added Plymouth, Maine, and 
Nova Scotia, to her territory. The only privilege it al- 
lowed to the people Avas, the choice of representatives. 
These Avere to elect a council, and both bodies were to 
constitute the legislative power. It reserved to the king 
the right of appointing tlie governor and lieutenant-gover- 
nor. To the governor it gave the power of rejecting laAA^s, 
of negativing^ the choice of counsellors, of appointmg all 
mihtary and judicial officers, of adjtjurning and even of 
dissolvmg the assembly at pleasure. LaAvs, although 
approved by him, might be abrogated by the king, Avitliin 
tinree years after their enactment 

87. The Mng, to render the ne^v charter more accepta- 
ble, appointed su' William Pliipps,anativeof the province, 
governor, and in 1G92, he arrived at Boston. The new 
govermiient Avent into operation without any opposition 
from the inhabitants ; and almost the first act of sir ^Vil- 
liarn Phipps and his council, Avas the institution of a court 
to try the unfortunate victuns of popular delusion, accused 
of Avitchcrafl, at Salem. 

88. The belief in this supposed crime had been so prev- 
alent in England, that parliament had enacted a laAv 
punisliing it witli death. Under this laAv, multitudes had 
been tried and executed in that country, and tAvo or three 
in Massachusetts, some of whom acknowledged they were 
guilty. Accounts of tliese trials and confessions, and 
particulariy of some trials before sir MatthoAv Hale, a 
judge revered in the colonies, had been published and dis- 
tributed throughout tlie country. They Avere read, in a 



4(» MAiSSACHUSETrS. 

time of deep distress and gloom, by a people naturally 
eedate, and accustomed to regard wiUi awe tlie surprising 
and unaccountable incidents and appearances wiiich, in this 
new world, v/ere often presented to tlieir contemplation. 

89. In Februarys 1(I!)2, a daughter and a niece of Mr. 
Paris, the minister of Salem, were afflicted with disor- 
ders affecting their bodies m the most snigular manner. 
The physicians, unable to account for their contortions, 
pronoimced tliein be^vitchod ; and the children, hearing of 
this, declared that an Indian woman, who lived in tlie 
house, was the cause of their torments. Mr. Paris con- 
curred with the physicians. Several private fasts were 
kept at his house, and tlie gloom wa.s increased by a 
solemn fast tiiroughout the colony. 

90. The Indian woman confessed herself guilty. The 
children were visited, noticed, and pitied. This en- 
couraged them to persevere, and other cliildren, either 
from sympatliy or the desire of similar attentions, exliibited 
Bimiiar contortions. A distracted old woman, and one 
who had been a longtime confined to her bod, were added 
to the list of the accused ; and, in the progress of the 
infatuation, women of mature age united with the children 
in their accusations. 

91. The accused were multipjied in proportion to the 
accusers. Children accused their parents, and parents 
their children. A word from tliose who were supposed 
to be afflicted, occasioned the arrest of the devoted victim; 
and so firnilv convinced were the magistrates, tliat tlio 
prince of darkness was in tlie midst of tliem, using hviman 
instruments to accomplish his purposes, tliat the slightest 
testimony was deemed sufficient to justify a commitment 
for trial. 

92. The court, especially instituted for tliis purpose, lield 
a session in June, and attenvards several otliei-s by ad- 
iournment J\lanv v,^ere tried, and received sentence of 
deatli. A fev/ pleaded guilty. Several were convicted 
upon testimony, wliich, at other times, would not Ikivo 
induced suspicion of an ordinary crime, and some upon 
testimony retracted after conviction. Nineteen were 
executed, and many yet remained to be txied. 

93. At tills stage of the proceedino-s, the legislature 
established, by law, a jieraianent courts oy wJiich tlie other 
was superseded, and hxed a distant day ibr its first ses- 
sion at SaJem. In the mean time, tlie aocusations muhi- 
plied, and additional jails were required to hold tlie accused. 



MASSACHUSE^ri'S. 47 

The Impostors, hardened by impunity an(i snccess, a»- 
cend'ed irom decrepit old women, to respectable charac- 
ter, and at length, in their ravings, named ministers of 
the gospel, and even tlie wife of the governor. 

94. The community were thrown into constematjon. 
Each felt alarm for liimself, his family, and friends. The 
shock roused them to reflection. They considered more 
closely the character of the accusers ; the nature of the 
alleged crime; the testimony, often contradictory and 
never explicit ; and more tlian all tliese, the high standing 
ot some who were implicated ; and began to doubt whether 
they had not been too credulous and precipitate. 

95. At the next term, tJie grand jury found indictments 
against fifty ; but, on trial, alfwere acquitted except tnree, 
and tliem trie governor reprieved. He aJso directed tliat 
all who were in prison should be set at liberty. A belief, 
however, of the truth of the charges, still lingered among 
the people, and prevented any prosecution of the impostors. 
That all were impostors cannot be believed. Many must 
have acted under the influence of a disordered imagination, 
which the attendant circumstances were well cfucuiated 
to produce. 

9ii. Besides establisliing courts of justice, the legisla- 
ture, at its first session under the new charter, passed 
law which indicates the same independent spirit tliat af- 
terwards resisted the usui-patjons of tlie British parlia- 
ment. It provided that no tax should be imposeu upon 
any of his majesty's subjects, or their estates, in the prov- 
ince, but by the act and consent of the governor, council, 
and representatives of the people, in general court assem- 
bled. It is almost superfluous to say, that this law waa 
disallowed by the king. 

97. The war witli the French and Indians, which be- 
gan in 1690, was not yet terminated. For seven years 
were the frontier settlements harassed by tlie savages ; 
and tlie English employed in expeditions against them. A 
history of tliese would consist only of repeated accounts 
of Indian cumiin^ and barbarity, and of Eno^lish enterprise 
and fortitude. Peace between England and France, which 
took place in i(.!97, was soon followed by peace with the 
sava^-QFi. 

96. But in a tew years, war again broke out in Europe, 
whicli was the sijrnal for hostilities in America. The first 
blow fell upon Beerficld. In February, 170i, it was sur- 
prised in <Jio night, about forty persons were killed, and 



48 MASSACHUSETTS. 

more than one hundred made prisoners, among wnom were 
Mr. Williams, the minister, and hifc faniily. The killed 
were scalped, and tlie prisoners commanded to prepare for 
a long- march to Canada. 

91). On tlie second day, Mrs. Williams was so exhausted 
with fatig-ue that she could ^o no iiirtlier. Her husband 
solicited permission to remain with her ; but the retreat- 
ing savages, according to tlieir custom in such cases, killed 
her and compelled him to proceed. Before the termina- 
tion of their journey, twenty more became unable to walk, 
and were m like manner sacrificed. Those who survivccl 
the journey to Canada were treated by the French witli 
humanity ; and after a captivity of many years, most of 
them were redeemed, a.nd returned to their friends. 

J 00. New York having- agreed with tJie French and the 
western Indians to remam neutral, these were enabled to 
pour their whole force upon Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire, tlie inhabitants of whiuli, for ten years, endured 
miseries peculiar to an Indian war, and more disti'essmg 
than their descendants can well imagine. The enemy 
were at all times prowling about the frontier settlements, 
watching in concealment for an opporiunity to strike a 
Budd«m dIow and fly with safety. The women and chil- 
dren retired into the gaiTisons ; the men left tlieir tiekls un- 
cultivated, or laborecfwitli arms at their sides, and with sen- 
tinels atevery point wheiK;c an attack could be apprehended. 

101. Yet notwithstanding these precautions, the enemy 
were often successful, killing sometimes an individual only, 
sometimes a wliole family, sometimes a band of laborers, 
ten or twelve in number ; and so swift v%^ere they in their 
mo\ements, that but few fell into the hands of tlie whites. 
It was computed, tiiat the sum of one tliousand pounds was 
expended ior every Indian killed or made captive. 

I(f2. In 1707, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and 
Rhode Island despatched an annainent against Port RoyaJ, 
in Nova Scotia, which was then in possession of the French. 
It returned without accomplishing its object In 1710, 
New England, assisted by a fleet turnished by tJie mother 
country, succeeded in reduchig the place ; and its name, 
in compliment to queen Anne, was changed to AnnaDt)hs. 
103. The success of this entei-prise encouraged the 
commander, general Nicholson, to visit England and pro- 
pose an expedition against Canada. His proposition was 
adopted, and in June, 1711, admiral Walker, witji a fleet 
of nfteen ships of war, and forty transports, bringing an 



MASSACHUSETTS. ^ 40 

army of veteran troops, arrived at Boston. Taking on 
board two additional nigimcnts, he sailed from that port 
about tlxe last of July. At the same time, general Nichol- 
son repaired to Albany to take command or the troops that 
were to proceed by land. 

104. When the fleet had advanced ten leagues up the 
river St. Lawrence, the weaiher became tempestuous and 
foo'gy. A difference of opinion arose concerning the course 
to oe pursued, the Enghsn pilots recommending one course, 
and the colonial another. The admnal, entertaining, like 
all other English officers, an opinion of the abilities of tlie 
colonists corresponding Avith their dependent condition, 
adopted the advice of his own pilots. Pursuing tlie course 
they recommended, nme transports Avere driven, about 
midnight, upon the rocks, and dashed to pieces. 

105. From every quarter cries of distress arose, con- 
veying, tliroiigh the darkness, to those who were yet afloat, 
inteUigence of the fate of their comrades and of their own 
danger. The shrieks of ihe drowning pleaded powerfully 
for assistance, but none could be afforded until the morn- 
ing dawned, when six or seven hundred, found floating on 
the scattered wrecks, were rescued from death, more than 
a thousand having sunk to rise no more. iNot a single 
American was lost, 

106. Weakened by this terrible disaster, the admira. 
determined to return to England, where he anived in the 
flDonth of October. Thither misfortune attended him. 
On the fifteenth, his ship blew up, and four hundred sea- 
Iljon perished. The New England troops returned to tlieir 
homes, and Nicholson, having learned tlie fate of tlie fleet, 
I »d back his troops to Albany. The next year tiie colonies 
tcand no repose. In 1718, France and England made 
p-^ace at Utrecht, and, in the same year, peace was con- 
cluded with tlie Indians. 

107. Such v/as the destruction of lives in this war, that 
the population of New England was sensibly retarded, 
tier expenses were also enormous. Although the annual 
taxes paid by the inhabitants were greater than in any 
Oher portion of the British empire, yet the colonies most 
exposed were burdened, at the close of the war, with a 
]y:ia.vy debt, in the shape of bills of credit, or paper money, 
which impeded their prosperity, perplexing individuals and 
ijje government in all their transactions. 

108. In 171»), Somuel Sliute, a colonel in the anny of 
tfe celebrate! duke of Marlborough, was appointed gov- 

5 



50 MASSACHUSETTiJ. 

emor. On his arrival in tlie pro\ance, he found the peo- 
ple divided into two parties, one in favor of a. public bank, 
■\vhicli had just been established, the other of tlie incor- 
ooration of a private bank. He joined the former; the 
latter of course became hostile ; and, led by a Mr. Cooke, 
opposed witli virulence all his measures. 

109. In 17'20, tins party, embracmo- a majority of the 
repres-^ntiitives, elected their leader speaker. The choice 
was communicated to tlie oovernor, who interposed iiis 
nefrative. The house persisted in their choice, denying 
his riglit to interfere. Tlie conti'overay contmued several 
days, when tlie governor dissolved the assembly, and di-;- 
rected that a new election should be made by the people. 

1!0. The charter not giving, m express terms, to tlie 
governor, the power to reject a speaker, tlie people resolved 
to support their representatives, and nearly all of tliem 
were again elected. Wlien met, to avoid a second disso- 
lution, they cliose a Mr, Lindall speaker ; but in a warm 
remonstrance to tlie governor, condemned his conduct, and 
re-asserted ilieir sole and exclusive right to choose tlieir 
presiding officer. 

111. The session was short, and but httlewas donetliat 
did not display the angry feelings of tlie house. Instead 
of six hunured pounds, the usual grant to tlie governor for 
huh" a year's salary, they appropriated but five hundred, 
and, as a mark of their displeasure, deferred tliat act until 
near tlie close of the session. 

112. At their next meeting, tlie same feelings prevailed, 
and the same diminished smn was voted. The governor 
then informed tliem, tliat he had been instructed bv the 
kmg to recommend to tlie assembly, to establish for niin a 
permanent and honorable salary. The house, aware of 
Mie importance of retaining tlie power of granting such 
^ums as the governor migiit merit by his conduct, replied, 
that the subject was new, and expressed a wish tliat tlie 
com! might rise. With this request the governor complied. 

]VS. This disagreement continued, tiie ill temper of 
botli parties increasing, througli several subsequent ses- 
sions. The representatives, confident of the sup])ort of 
the people, refused to establish a permanent salary for tlie 
governor, and often T^Aithlieid the pittance tliey giive, until 
he had sanctioned those measiu-es which tiiey desired 
should be adopted. 

114. Iiis residence in the province being rendered, by 
Uiis tlispute, unpleasant, he suddenly and privately quitted 



M ASS ACH USETTS. 5 1 

It, in December, 1722. Upon his arrival in Eng:Iand, he 
exhibited charges against the house, of Imvinor inadc 
various encroacliments upon the king's prerogative, which 
tlie agents of the province were instrncteci to answer and 
repel. 

115. He remained in England until 1728, when he 
resigned his office, and William Burnet, then governor of 
New York, was appomted his successor. In his first 
speech, he informed the house that he had received posi- 
tive mstructions from the king to insist on a permanent 
salary. Tlie representatives, generous of their money, but 
tenacious of their rights, appropriated three iiuridred pounds 
for the expenses of his jouniey, and fourteen hundred 
pounds towards his support, not specifying for what time. 
The first sum he accepted ; but absolutely declined re- 
ceiving any compensation for his services, except in the 
mode of a fixed salary. 

Hfl The delegates were equally decided; and having 
transacted all their necessar}?^ business, requested tlie gov- 
ernor, by message, to adjourn them. He replied, that he 
could not comply with tlieir request, as, if he did, he 
Bhould nut it out of their power to pay immediate regard 
to the King's instructions. A few days afterwards, the 
request was again made and again denied. 

117. Messages, containing arguments and replies, were 
often interchanged by tlie parties. After two months had 
been consumed in the controversy, tlie governor, imagin- 
ing the members %vere inflrenced b}' the citizens of Bos- 
ton, transferred the general court to Salem. They 'were 
detained there two months; were then allowed to return 
to tlieir homes ; wore again assembled after a short recess ; 
and having sat seventeen days, were again adjourned 
without exhibiting any symptoms of compliance. 

118. A new assemoly was elected, and several session •? 
in the summer of 1729, displaying the same spirit as tlie 
former. In the mean time, information T^'as transmitted 
^om England, tiiat the king approved the conduct of the 
governor, and condemned that of tlie house. Still the 
members continued inflexible. In August, they were 
lemovedto Cambridge, which served to exasperate rather 
than to convince them. Here, however, the controversy 
was susnended, for a time, by the death of the gov- 
ernor, which was supposed to have been hastened by 
his unsuccessful contest with the house of represents, 
tivea. 



52 MASSACHUSETTS. 

119. His successor was Mr. Belcher, tlicn agent m 
England. As he belonged to tlie popnlor party, liia 
apponittnont gave rise to me expectation, that tlie instruc- 
tion, to obtain a permanent salary, was withdrawn. But 
from his first speech it appearecl, that it was not only 
unrescinded, but enforced by a threat of punishment in 
case of refusal. 

1.20. The house, unintimidated by the threat, refused. 
The governor, during the two ftrst years of his adminis- 
tration, made several attempts to induce them to comply. 
All 1 ailing, he endeavored to obtain a relaxation of lu.s 
instructions. Permission was at length granted that ho 
might receive a particular sum, which was voted, and a 
similar permission was afterwards annually given. Thua 
ended a contest wliich prepared the people of Massadiu- 
setts to embark in another in \yhich more important rights 
were to be defended. 

121 . These turbulent times were succeeded by a calm 
which continued several years ; during which, however, 
the enemies of governor fielcher, by incessant misreprc- 
eentation, deprived him of the favor of the ministry in 
England. In 1740, he Avas removed from oifice, and Mr 
William Shirley appointed in his place. 

122. In 1744, war again broke out between England and 
France, and the colonies were involved in its calamities. 
Their commerce and fisheries suffered great injury from 
privateers, fitted out at Louisbm-^, a French port, on cape 
Breton. Its situation gave it such importance, that nearly 
six milhons of doll*rs had been expended on its fortifica- 
tions. Mr. Vaughan, of JNew Hampshire, v.dio had often 
visited tliat place as a trader, conceived tlie project of an 
expedition against it. He communicated it to governor 
Shirley, and, oeing ardent and enthusiastic, convinced him 
that the enterprise was practicable, and inspired him witlr 
his own enthusiasm. 

123. Having exacted of the general court an oath of 
socrecv, tlie gcjvernor, in .Tanu.ary, 1745, communicated to 
them the project. Many hetird it with amazement. So 
strong was the place, and so weak, comparatively, were the 
colonies, that tlie thought of attacking it seemed rash and 
presumptuous. From respect to him, however, his pro- 
posal was referred to a committee ; thev reported against 
It ; the house accepted the report, and the members dis- 
missed from their mmds all tlioughts of the expedition. 

124. During tiie secret deliberations the people watched 



MAsaACiiusfn'^j's, 53 

with anxiety to ascertain tlieir object The disclosure 
was made by an honest member, wno, incautiously, in his 
family devotions, prayed for t)ie divine blessing on the 
attempt, should it be made. The people were mstantly 
struck witli tlie advanta"-e of possess mg the place. When 
the decision was made Known, a petition, signed by a large 
number of merchants, was presented to the general court, 
praying tliem to comply with tiie governor's proposal. The 
subject w;is again discussed, and a vote m lavor of the 
expedition was passed by a majonty of one. 

]25. TJie quest on was now decided, and all who were 
before averse to the enterprise, imited heartily with its 
supporters to carry it into execution. 'I'he other New 
England colonies were solicited, and aOTeed to furnish 
assistance ; and a boat was despatched to commodore 
Warren, in the West Indies, to invite his co-operatioi4 
Colo}iel Pepperell was appointed commander-in-chief, and 
Roger Wolcott, of Connecticut, second in command. 

ri6. In tAvo months, an anny of more than four thousand 
men Avas enlisted, clothed, victualled, and equipped for 
serxice, in tlie four New England colonies, Avhich did not 
then contain four hundred tiiousand inhabitants. On the 
23d of Marcii, the despatch boat returned from the West 
Indies, with advice that commodore Warren declined fur- 
nishing aid. This intelligence was kept secret. The 
troops of Massachusetts embarked, as tliough nothing dis- 
couraging had happened ; and about the niiddle of Auril, 
they, as Avell as tiiose sent by Connecticut and New 
Hampshire, arrived safe at Canso. 

127. Commodore Wan-en had but just despatched his 
answer, when he received orders to repair to Boston with 
such ships as could be spared, and concert measures with 
governor Shirley for his majesty's service in Nortli Amer- 
ica. He sailed instantly ; but learning, in his course, th-^f 
the transports had left Boston for Canso, he steerea 
directly tor that place, where he airived on the 'i:3d of 
April. He added much to their naval sti-ength, and much 
to that confidence, which, by promising, ensures victory. 

128. Several vessels of war, which had been sent to 
cruise before Louisburg, had captured a number of French 
ships, and prevented any intelligence of tlie expedition 
from reachmg the enemy. These vessels were daily in 
eight of tlie place, but were supposed to be privateers, and 
caused no alarm. The appearance of the fleet, on the 30th 
of Apiil.«ave the French the first intimation of their danger. 



54 M ASS ACH USETTS. 

129. The troops immediately landed, and the next day 
a detachment of four hundred, marching round the hills, 
approached witliin a mile of tiie p;rand battery, setting fire 
to all the houses and stores on the way. Many of these 
contained pitch and tar, which produced a thick smoke, 
that completely enveloped tlie invaders. The fears of the 
French Avere increased by tlieir uncertainty. They ima- 
gined tiie whole army was comino^ upon them, and, throw- 
mg their powder into a v/ell, deserted tlie battery, of Avhich 
the New Enj^land troops took possession without loss. 

130. This was uncoimiion good fortune; but tlie most 
difficult labors of tiie siege remained to be performed. 
The cannoji were to be drawn nearly two miles, over a 
deep morass, in plain view, and within gun-shot, of he 
enemy's principal fortifications. For fourteen nights, the 
troops, Avitli straps over tJieir shoulders, and sinkmg to 
their knees in mud, v/ere employed in tliis service. 

131 . The approaches were then begun in the mode wliich 
seemed most proper to the shrewd understancUngs of un- 
taught militia. Those officers, who were skilled in tlie art 
of war, talked of zigzaf!;s and epaidanents ; but tlie troops 
made themselves merry with tiie terms, and proceeded ir 
their own way. By tlie ^Oth of May, they had erectec 
five batteries, one of which mounted five forty-two pound- 
ers, and did great execution. 

132. Meanwhile the fleet, cruising in the harbor, hac 
been equally successful. It captured a French ship of 
sixty-four guns, loaded with stores for the garrison, to 
whom the loss ^vas as distressing as to tlie besiegers the 
capture was fortunate. Enghsh ships of war were, be- 
sides, continually arriving, and added such strength to the 
fleet, that a combined attack upon tlie town was resolved 
upon. The enemy, discovering tliis design, deemed it 
unwise to abide tiie hazard of an assault. On the 15th 
of June, the French commander proposed a cessation of 
hostilities, and, on the ITtli, capitulated. 

1J33. Intellio-cnce of this event, flyhig swiftly tlirough 
the colonies, cSifused great and univers.ii joy. And well 
might the citizens of New England be elated with tiie 
glad tidino-s. Without even a suggestion from tlie mother 
country, they had projected, and, witti but little assistance, 
had acnieved, an enterprise of vast importance to her and 
to them. Their commerce and fisheries were now secure, 
and tlieir maritime cities relieved fi-om all fear of attack 
from that quarto 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 55 

I'M. France, fired with resentment at her loss, madn 
extraordinary exertions to retrieve it, and to inflict chas- 
tisement on New England. The next summer, she de- 
spatched to the American coast a poAvertlil fleet, carrying a 
large number of soldiers. I'he news of its approach spread 
terror throughout New England; but an uncommon suc- 
cession of disasters, which the pious of tiiat time attribut- 
ed to the special interposition of Providence, deprived il 
of all power to inflict injury. After remaining a short time 
on the coast, it returned to France, having lost two admi- 
rals, both of whom, it was supposed, put an end to tlieir 
lives througli chagrin ; having also, by tempests, beep 
reduced to one half its force, and effected nothing. 

135. In 1748, peace was concluded, each party rcstorin* 
all its prisoners and conquests ; a striking, but not uncom- 
mon, illustration of the folly of war. Louisburg, though 
conquered by the colonies, was exchanged, ty Great 
Britain, for territories wJiich she had lost in Europe. 
New England murmured at tiiis injustice ; but what avail 
the murmurs of til e "weak? 

136. From tliis period to the cormiiencement of the next 
French war, but few important events occurred in Massa- 
chusetts. The bills of credit, which the colony had issued 
to defray its enormous expenditure, were redeemed by the 
government, at tlieir depreciated value. This example 
was followed, though tardily, by the other governments. 
At the time of tlieb- redein})ti()n, they were worth no more, 
in some colonies, than one tentli, and in others, one twen- 
tieth, of the sum for wliich they had been issued. 



CHAPTER 111. 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

With the history of Massachusetts, the parent of the 
New England colonies, that of New IIam])shire ha^ been 
necessaruy blended. A brief relation of some detached 
events, which occurred in tlie latter colony, will now be 
given. 

2. John Mason, Ferdinand Gorges and others, having 
obtained, of the Plymouth or New England Company, 
grants of several tracts of land, lying nortli of Massachu- 
setts, sent from England, in 1G23, a few persons to begin 



56 NEW HAJMPaHLRa 

a settlement Part landed, and, fijr a short time, remamed 
at Little Harbor, on tlie west side of Piscataqua river, and 
near its mouth. Here the first house was built, which 
was called Mason Hall. The remainder, proceedinff 
hig-her up tlie river, settled at Cocheco, afterwards called 
Dover. 

3. Fishinsf and trade being the principal objects of these 
emigrants, their settlements increased slowly. In l(f^ 
tlje territory situated between Merrimac and Piscata.c|ua 
rivers, and extending sixty miles from the sea, was gi-anted 
to Mason alone, and then first called New Hampshire. 
In l(>il, the first house wp3 built at Port^m.outh. In IGiS, 
tiio reverend John Wheelwright, who, in J()21), but pre- 
vious to tiie date of Mason's patent, had purchased the 
land of tiie Indians, laid the foundation of Exeter. The 
next year, thirty-tive persons, residing in tliat town, 
combhied and established civil government. Within a 
year or two afterwards, the inhabitants of Dover and 
Portsmoutli followed their example, each town remaining 
distinct and independent. 

4. In 1(>4 1 , tliese little republics, distrusting ttieir ability 
to protect themselves, formed a coalition with Massachu- 
setts, and long remained a part of tliat colony. The civil 
wars in England diverted tlie attention of Mason from his 
grant, and tliose who migrated to the country purchased 
of Wlieehvright tlie lands which they occupied. In the 
war witli Philip, the settlements on Piscataqua and Oyster 
rivers were attacked by the Indians, and sunered severely. 

5. Ill 1()75, Robert Mason, grandson and heir of John 
Mcison, applied to the king to obtain possession of the ter- 
ritory and rights which had been granted to his ancestor 
Notice of this application was given to Massac) lusetts, 
and the parties were heard before tlie king in council. 
In l(j79, a decree was passed, that New Hampshire should 
be constituted a separate province, to be ruled by a presi- 
dent and council, who were to be appointed by tlie king 
and a house of representatives to be cnosen by the people. 
No decision was made affecting tiie titles to land. 

6. Tlie first assembly, consisting of eleven members^ 
met, in 1680, at Portsmoutli. At Uiis session, a code of 
laws was adopted, of which the first, in a style worthy of 
freemen, declared, " that no act, imposition, law, or ordi- 
nance, should be hnposed upon the inhabitants of the 
province, but. such as should be made by the assembly 
and approved by tlie president and council." TUis was 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 57 

twelve years previous to the enactment of a similar law in 
Massacnusetts. 

7. In the same year, Mason, wlio had been appointed a 
member of the council, arrived in thexolony. He assumed 
tiie title of lord proprietor, claimed the soil as his property, 
and tlireatencd to prosecute all who would not take from 
him leases of the lands tliey occupied. His pretensions 
were resisted by most of tlie inhabitants, who claimed the 
fee-simple of tlie soil by a more righteous, if not more 
iQ^l title. 

8. The peace of the colony was long disturbed by these 
conflicting claims. At the head of those who contended 
with Mason, stood major Waldron, of Dover. Against 
liim, and many others, suits were instituted. No defence 
was made ; judgments were obtained, but so general was 
the hostility to Mason, that he never dared to enforce them. 

9. Over Massac luisctts and New Hampshire, the same 
governor usually presided. After Andross was deposed, 
me inhabitants of the latter colony desired to be incorpo- 
rated with their former brethren. Their request was 
opposed by Samuel Alle^i, who had purchased Ma.son's 
title, and was refused. Allen was made governor of the 
colony, and, by his influence, John Usher, his son-in-law, 
was appointed lieutenant-governor. Under his adminis- 
tration, the disputes, occasioned by adverse claims to land, 
continued to rage v/ith increased violence. Other suits 
were instituted,' and judgments obtained ; but the sheriff 
was forcibly resistetl, by a powerful combination, Avhenever 
he attempted to put tJie plaintiff in possession. 

10. From Indian wars this colony sufferQd more than 
any of her sisters. The surprise of Dover, in JG89, was 
attended by circumstances of the most shocldng barbarity. 
That tlie natives had been cruelly injured by majorWakhon, 
tJie principal citizen, may account ibr, if not extenuate, 
their ferocity in obtaining revenge. 

11. Having detemiined upon their plan of attack, they 
employed more tlian tlieir usual art, to lull tlie suspicions 
of the inhabitants. So civil and respectful was their 
behavior, that tliey often obtained permission to sleep in 
the fortified houses in the toAvn. On the evening of the 
fatal night, they assembled in the neighborhood, and sent 
tlieir women to apply for lodgings, at the houses devoted 
to dcsti-uction ; who were not only admitted, but were 
ehov/n how they could open the doors should tliev have 
occasion to go out in the night. 



58 NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

12. When all was qniot, tlie doors were opened and the 
signal fpven. The Indians nishod into Waldron's house, 
and hastened to his apartjnent. Awakened l»y the noise, 
he seized his sword, and drove them back ; but when 
returning for his other anns, was stunned with a hatchet. 
and fell. They then drarr^red him into his hall, seated 
him in ru elbow chair, upon a long table, and insultingly 
asked him, " W'ho shall judge Indians now ? " After feastuig 
'ipon provisions, which they compelled the rest of tlie 
family to procure, each one, with his knife, cut ofashes 
across his broast, saying, " I cross out my account" When, 
weakened with the loss of blood, he wjis about to fall from 
tlie table, his oAvn sword was held under him, which put 
an end to his misery. 

13. At other houses, similar acts of cruelty were perpe- 
trated. In tJie whole, twenty-three persons were killed, 
twenty-nine carried prisoners to Canada, and mostly sold 
to the French. Remembering kindness as well as injury, 
tliey spared one woman, who, thirteen years before, had 
conferred a favor on one of the party. Many houses were 
burned, much property was plundered, and so expeditious 
were tJie Indians, that they had fled beyond reacn before 
the neighboring people could be collected. 

14. The war thus commenced v\^as prosecuted with great 
vigor. The French, by giving premiums for scalps, and 
by purchasing the English prisoners, animated the Indians 
to exert all their activity and address, and tlie frontier 
inliabitants endured tlie most aggravated sufferings. The 
settlements on Oyster river were again surprised ; twenty 
houses were burned, and nearly one hundred persons were 
killed or made prisoners. Other towns were attacked, 
many persons slam, and many carried into captivity. The 
peace of Ryswick, in l{i97, closed the distressing scene, 
in 1703, anijther war began> Avhich continued ten years. 

15. In 1719, above one hundred families, mostly Pres- 
byterians, emigrated from the north of Ireland, and settled 
the town of Londonderry. Thc}^ introduced the foot 
spinning-wheel, the manufacture of linen, and tlio culture 
o'f potatoes. They were hidustrious, hardy, and useful 
citizens. 

16. From 1722 to 1726, tlie inhabitants again suffered 
the afllictions of an Indian war. Following the example 
of the French, the government offered premiums for scalps, 
which induced several volunteer companies to undertake 
expeditions against the enemy. One of these, commanded 



CONNECTICUT. 51) 

by captain Lovewell, was oTeatly distinsrinshcfi, at first by 
its successes, and afterwards by its misfbrtunes. 

J 7. LonfT after the transfer ii-om Mason to Allen, some 
defect in the conversance was discovered, which rendered 
It void. In']74G, John Tufton Mason, a descendant of 
the original grantee, claiming the lands possessed by his 
ancestors, conveyed tliem, for tifteen hundred pounds, to 
twelve persons, subsequently called theMasonian proprie- 
tors. They, to silence opposition, voluntarily relinquished 
their claim to the lands already occupied by others, 

]8. They also gi-anted townsliips on tlie most liberal 
tenns. Resei'ving certain portions of the land for tliem- 
selves, for tlie first settled ministers, and for schools, tiiey 
recjuired merely that the grantees should, witlmi a limited 
time, erect mills and meeting-houses, clear out roads, and 
settle ministers of the gospel. In process of time, nearly 
all the Miisonian lands, oemg about one fourth of the v/holo, 
were, in tliis manner, granted ; and contention and lawsuits 
ceased to disturb tlie repose, and to impede tlie prosperity 
of the colony. 



CHAPTER IV. 
CONNECTICUT. 

In 1631, viscount Say and Seal, lord Brook, and othei-s, 
obtained fi*om the Plymouth Company, in England, a grant 
of tlie territory which now constitutes tlie state of Con- 
necticut ; and so little was then laiown of the geogra.phy 
of the new world, tliat the grant was made to extend, in 
longitude, from tlie Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea. In 
the same year, tlie Indians, Jiving on Connecticut river, 
having invited the colony of Plymouth to make a settlement 
on their lands, governor Winslow, and otliers, visited the 
country, and selected a place near the mouth of the little 
nver m Windsor, for tlie erection of a tjatlmo; house. 

2. Tlie Dutch at New York, apprized of this project of 
the English, and determined to anticipate them, immedi- 
ately despatched a party, who erected a fort at Hartford. 
In September, 163^3, a company from Plymoutli, having 
prepared the frame of a house, put it onboard a vessel, 
and, passing the fort, conveyed it to the place previously 
eelented. In October, they raised, covered, and fortified 



60 CONNECTICUT. 

it with palisades. The Dutch, considering them intruders, 
sent, the next year, a party of seventy nien to drive thera 
from the country, but fmdnig tliem strongly posted, tliey 
reiinquislied the design. 

3. In tlie autumn of 1(535, many of the mhabitants of 
Dorchester and Watcrtown, in Massachusetts, having 
heard of the fertile nieadoAvs on Connecticut river, re- 
moved thither, and began settlements at Weatlierstield 
and Windsor. During tlie next Avinter, tlieir sulferingg 
from famine u-ere extreme. So destitute were they of 
provisions, that many, in dread of starvation, returaed, in 
December, to Massachusetts. In their journey through 
the dreary Vvaiderness, at tins inclement season, they en 
coimtered indescribable hardships. 

4. In the same autumn, ^tr. VVintlirop arrived from 
England, with instructions from tiie patentees to erect a 
fort at the mouth of tlie river, and make the requisite 
preparation for planting a colony. The fort was but just 
completed when a party, sent, for the same purpose, by 
the Dutch, at New York^ arrived in a vessel, but were 
not pt^miitted to land. 

5. The next spring, tJiose who had been compelled by 
famine to revisit Massachusetts, returned to Connecticut. 
In June, the reverend Mr. Hooker, of Cambrido'e, and 
about one hundred men, women, and children, belonging 
to his congregation, travelling tlirongh tlie wilderness, 
laid the founcJation of tiartford. They were nearly two 
weeks on tlieir journey ; they drove tJieir cattle with them, 
and subsisted, by the way, u{X)n tlie milk of their cows. 

C). In 1637, all the settlements in New England were 
involved in hostilities with the Pequods, a tribe^af Indians 
inhabiting New London and tlie country around it. Some 
account of this war has been given in {he history of Mas 
sachusetts. Previous to any expedition against them, 
they had killed many of the cmigTants to Connecticut, 
had captured otJiers, and tortured them to death. In tiie 
short war which followed, their surviving brethren, for 
bravery iii battle and ibititude m suffering, were not sur 
passed" bv any portion of the English troops. 

7. At tirsl. the emigi-ants acknowledged the autliority 
of Massachusetts. In' January, lG3V>,the freemen, having 
convened at Hartford, adopted a constitution for them- 
selves. They ordained that two general courts, or asseni- 
blies, should be held annually, one in April, the other in 
September ; that at the coirrt held in April, styled the court 



CONNECTlCU'i' 61 

of election, the freemen should choose a governor, six 
magistrates, and all the public officers ; that to the other 
tlie several towns should "send deputies, who, in conjunc- 
tion witli tlie governor and magistrates, were authorized 
to enact laws, and perfonn all necessary public services. 
No general court could be adjourned or dissolved, witliout 
tlie consent of a major part of the members. 

8. In the same yea)-, George Fen wick, one of the 
patentees, came over with his fannly, and settled at tlie 
mouth of the river. In honor of lord Say and Seal, and 
loid Brook, lie called the place Say brook. Others after- 
wards joined him; and for several years, they were gov- 
erned ijy their own magistrates and laws. In 1644, Mr. 
Fenwiciv, for seven tiiousand dollars, assigned to tlie 
general covut of (.onnecticut, the fort at Saybrook, and 
all the rights conferred by tlie patent from the Plymouth 
Company in England. This settlement then became a part 
of tlie colony. The claim of Plymouth colony, founded 
upon their having first made an establishment at Windsor 
had been previously purchased. 

9. In tlie mean time, another colony had been planted 
within the limits of the Connecticut patent In June, 1037 
two large snips amved at Boston, fi-om England, having 
on board Mr. Davenport, Mr. Eaton, and many others, 
whom pious motives had impelled to emigrate to New 
England. Beuig highly respectable, and some of thera 
possessing- great wealth, the general court of Massachu- 
setts, desirous of detaining them in the colony, offered 
them any place they might select for a plantation. 

10. Wishing, however, to institute a civil and religious 
community, conforming in all things to their peculiar 
principles, they removed, the next year, to Qumnipac, 
which they called ISiew Haven. Soon after their arrival, 
at the close of a day of fasting and prayer, tliey subscribed 
what they termed a plantation covenant, solemnly binding 
themselves, " until otherwise ordered, to be governed in 
all things, of a civil as well as religious concern, by tlie 
rules which the scripture held f >rth to them." They pur- 
chased of the natives large tracts of land, and laid' out 
tneir town in squares, designing it for a great and ele- 
gant city. 

11. In 1639, all tlie free planters, assembled in a large 
barn, proceeded to lay the foundation of their civil and 
religious pohtv. They resolved that none but church 
members ^houfd be allowed tlie privilege of voting, or bo 

6 



m CONNECTICUT 

elected to office ; that all the freemen should annually 
assemble and elect the officers of the colony ; and tliat 
the word of God should be tlie only rule for ordering the 
alTkins of the commonwealth. Such was the orig-inal con- 
stitution of New Haven ; but as the population mcreased, 
and new towns were settled, different regulations were 
adopted, and the institutions and laws became gradually 
assimilated to tliose of Connecticut 

12. With the Dutch at New York, both colonies had 
constant and vexatious disputes. The former claimed all 
tlic territory as far east as Connecticut river ; the latter 
complained that tlie Dutch often plundered their property ; 
tliat they sold guns and ammumtion to the Indians, and 
even encouraged them to make war upon the English. 
The fear of attack from tliat quarter was one of the rea- 
sons which, in 1(>4^?, induced tlie colonies of New England 
to form a confederation for their mutual defence. 

Hi. In 1()50, a treaty of amity and partition was con- 
clnded at Hartford, between the English and Dutch, the 
latter relinquishing their claim to the territory of Con- 
necticut, except the lands which tliey actually occupied. 
Soon after, England and Holland were involved in war 
T/ith each other, but their colonies in America agreed to 
remain at peace. Notwitlistanding this agreement, the 
Dutch governor was detected in concerting with the In 
dians ajjlot for the total extirpation of tlie English. 

14.' Connecticut and New Haven were alarmed; a 
meeting of tlie commissioners of tlie united colonies waa 
called, "and evidence of tlie plot laid before them. A 
majority was m favor of war ; but the colony of Massa- 
chusetts, being rempte from tlie danger, was averse to it 
As she was much stronger than either of the others, it 
was, at tlie suggestion of her deputies, resolved, that 
agents should first be sent to demand of tlie Dutch gov- 
ernor an explanation of liis conduct, 

15, The agents obtained no satisfactory explanation. 
On their return, another meeting of tlie commissioners 
was held at Boston, additional testimony was laid before 
them, and several ministers of Massachusetts were invited 
to assist at tlieir deliberations, a practice not unusual at 
that neriod. 

lt>! The opinion of these ministers being requested, 
they observed, " that the proofs of the execrable plot, 
tending to the destruction of the dear saints of God, were 
of such weight as to induce them to believe the reality 



coNWEcrncuT. c^ 

of it; yet they Tvere not so fully conclusive ajs to bear up 
their hearts with tlje fulness of persuasion which was 
meet in commending- the case to God in prayer, and to 
the people in exhortations ; and tliat itivould be safest for 
Uie colonies to forbear tJie use of the sword." 

17. But all thie commissioners, except one, were of 
opinion ttiat recent aggressions justified, and self-preser- 
vation dictated, an appeal to the sword. They were about 
to declare war, when the general court of MassachusettSj 
in direct violation of one of tlie articles of tlie confedera 
tion, resolved, " that no determination of the commission- 
ers, tliough all sliould agree, should bind the colony to 
engage in hostilities." 

is. At this declaration, Connecticut and Ne%v Haven 
felt alarmed and indignant. They considered the ether 
colonies too weak, witliout the assistance of Massachu- 
setts, to contend with the Dutch and their Indian allies. 
They argued, entreated, and remonstrated, but she contm- 
ued inflexible. Tliey then represented tlieir danger to 
Crom.well, and implored his assistance. He, with his 
usual promptitude, sent a fleet for their protection, and for 
tlie con(|uest of their enemies j but peace in Europe, intelli- 
gence ot which reached New England soon after the arrival 
of tlie fleet, saved the Dutch from subjugation, and relieved 
the colonies from tlie dread of massacre. 

19. After Charles 11. was restored to the throne, Con- 
necticut applied to liim for a royal charter. A trifling 
circumstance induced him, forgetting all liis arbitrary 
maxims, to comply with her wishes to tlieir utmost extent. 
Her agent, Mr. Winthrop, having an extraordinary ring, 
which had been given to hJs grandfather by Charles f.^ 
presented it to his son. He immediately granted a char- 
ter, more liberal in its provisions than any that liad yet 
been granted, and confirming, in every particular, tlie 
constitution whjch the people had tliemselves adopted. 

20. This charter comprehended New Haven;" but, for 
several years, tlie people of that colony utterly refused to 
consent to tlie union. * In this opposition to the commands 
of the Idn^, and tlie remonstrances of Connecticut, they 
persevered until l^JtlS, when the apprehension of the 
appointrnent of a general govenior, and of their being 
umted with some oiJier colony, ha\in^ a charter less favor- 
able to liberty, unpelled tliem, though reluctantly, to yield. 

21. In tlie war with Philip, winch began in 1675, Con- 
necticut suffered leas than her aister colonies. Her aid, 



04 CONNECl'ICUT. 

however ill full proportion to her stren^h, was always 
freely anorded ; and no ti'oops surpassed her volunteers in 
bravery and enterprise. A large number, and many of 
them officers, were killed at the assault upon the fort at 
Narraganset. 

22. In ]()86, kinff James II., desirous of annulling-, not 
only the charters Avhich iiad been granted to liis lilnglish 
cities, but those also which had been granted to his Amer- 
ican colonies, summoned the governor of Connecticut to 
appear and show cause why her charter should not be 
declared void. And sir Edmund Andross, who had been 
appointed governor of New England, advised the coiony, 
as the course best calculated to ensure tlie good will of 
his majesty, to resign it voluntarily into his hands, he 
having been instructed to receive "it. But the people 
estimated too highly the privileges it conferred to surrender 
it until necessity compelled them. 

23. Sir Edmund, therefore, repaired, with a body of 
troops, to Hartford, when the assembly were in session, 
and demanded of them the charter. They hesitated and 
debated until evening. It was then produced and laid upon 
the table, a large number of people bemo^ present. Sud- 
denly, the candles were extinguished. With counterfeited 
haste, they were again relighted ; but the charter could no 
where be found. In the dark, it had been privately caiTied 
oif by a captain Wadsworth, and concealed in a hollow 
tree. Sir Edmund, however, assumed the government of 
the colony, and ruled with the same absolute sway, though 
not with the same oppressive tyranny, as in Massachusetts. 

24. When James was driven from his throne and king- 
dom, and his governor deposed, Connecticut resumed lier 
former government. The assembly voted a flattermg 
address to king William. The suit, instituted for the 
purpose of anniuling her charter, was abandoned; and her 
nihabitants, while enjoying greater privileges than any of 
tlieir brethren, had reason to congratulate l^iemselves upon 
tlieir address and good fortune in preser\'ing tliera. 

25. But, not long afterwards, tliey were ap-ain called 
upon to defend these privileges from eucroacfiment. In 
1692, colonel Fletcher was appointed governor of New 
York, and was authorized, by his commission, to tike 
command of the militia of Connecticut This power 
having been given, by tlie charter, to tlie governor of tho 
colony, he determined not to relinquish it, and in tlus 
Uetermination was supported by tlie people. 



CONNECmCUT. 65 

36. The next year, when the general court were in 
session, colonel Fletcher repaired to Hartford, and required 
that the niihtia of tlie colony should be placed under his 
command. This was resolutely refused. He then ordered 
the trainbands of the city to De assembled. This bcmg 
done, he appeared before tliem,and directed his aid to read 
to them his commission and instructions from the .king. 

27. Captain Wads worth, tlie senior officer of the militia 
present, instantly ordered the drums to beat, and such was 
the noise, that notliing else could be heard. Colonel 
Fletcher commanded silence ; and again his aid began to 
read. "Drum, drum, I say,^ exclaimed Wadsworth, and 
a command so acceptable to the players, was obeyed with 
spirit Once more the colonel commanded silence, and a 
pause ensued. " Drum, drum, I say," cried the captain, 
and tmTiinff to governor Fletcher, addressed him, with 
energy in his voice and meaning in his looks, " If I am 
interrupted again, I will make the sun eliine tlu'ough you 
m a moment' 

28. Deeming it unwise to contend with such a spirit 
colonel Fletcher desisted, left Hartford the next night, and 
returned to New York. A representation of the opposing 
claims being made to the king, he decided tliat tne gov- 
ernor of Connecticut should have the command ot tlie 
militia ; but in time of war, a certain number should be 
placed under tlie orders of Fletcher. 

29. In 1700, Yale college was founded. It owes its 
existence to the beneficence and public spirit of the clergy. 
It was first established at Saybrook ; and, in 1702, Qie 
first degrees were there conferred. Elihu Yale made 
several donations to the institution, and from him it derives 
the name it bears. A succession of able instructors has 
raised it to the second rank among tlie literary institutions 
of the country. 

30. In 1708, an act was passed by the legislature, 
requiring the ministers and delegates of churches to meet 
and form an ecclesiastical constitution for the colony. A 
meetint^ was in consequence held at Saybrook, tlie result 
of wliicli was the celebrated Saybrook platform. At the 
subsequent session of the legislature, it Avas enacted that 
all the churches, united according to tliis platform, should 
be owned as established by law, allowing, however, to 
other churches, the right of exercising worship and disci- 
pjine in their own way, according to their consciences. 

81. In tlie several abortive attempts to reduce tlie French 
6* 



GG RHODE ISLAND. 

settlements in Canada, and in the expedition against Louis* 
burg, Connecticut furnished her full quota ot troops, and 
bore her proportion of ttie expenses. Of these, a liistoiy 
is elsewhere g'iven. After tlie death of Philip, most of tlie 
Indians abandoned her temtory, and seldom returned to 
molest the inliabitants ; who, living in the enjoyment of 
all the privileges tliey desired, felt no inducement, and 
were afforded no opportunity, to perform such actions sa 
enliven the pages of history. 



CHAPTER V. 

RHODE ISLAND. •* 

Roger Williams, who was banished from Massachu- 
setts, for avowing the doctrine, tiiat the civil maoistrate ig 
bound to gra'it equal protection to every denomination of «! 
Christians, a doctrine too liberal for the age in which he 
lived, repaired to Seoconk, where he procured a grant o 
and from the Indians. Being inf(jrmcd, by tJbe governei 
trf Plymouth, that tiie land was within the limits of tlia 
colony, he proceeded to Mooshausic, where, in 1636, with 
those friends who followed him, he began a plantation. 

2. He purchased the land of the Indians, and, in grateful 
acknowledfrment of tlie kindness of Heaven, he called the 
place Providence. Acting in conformity with tiie wise if 
and liberal principle, for avowing and maintaining which,* 
he had suffered banishment, he allowed entire freedom of 
conscience to all who came witliin his borders. And to 
liim must be given the glory of having first seta practical 
example of the equal toleration of all religious sects in the 
same political ccmmunity. 

3. His benevolence was not confined to his civilized 
brethren. He labored to enlighten, improve, and conciliate 
tlie savages. He learned their language, travelled among 
them, and gained tlie entire confidence of their chiefs. 
He had often the happiness, by his infiuence over them, 
of saving from injury the colony that had proclaimed hiin 
an outlaw, and driven him into the wilderness. 

4. In ](>J8, William Coddington, and seventeen others, 
being persecuted for their religious tenets in Massachusetts, 
followed Williams to Providence. By his advice, they 
purchased of tlie Indians the island of Aquetnec, now ' 



RHODE ISLAND. 67 

called Rhode Island, and removed thither. Coddington 
was chosen their judge, or chief mafristrate. The fertility 
of the soil, and the toleration of all Cliristian sects, attracted 
njmerouG emigrants from the adjacent settlements. 

5. When the New England colonies, in 1643, formed 
tlicir memorable confederacy, Rhode Island applied to be 
admitted a member. Plymouth objected ; asserting that 
tlic settlements were v/itliin her boundai-ies. The com- 
missioners decided that Rliode Island migkt enjoy all tlie 
advantages of the confederacy, if she would submit to tlie 
iurisdiction of Piyroouth. She declined, proudly preferrinjr 
iudependonce to all the benefits of dependent union. 

(). In 1(>44, Williams, having been sent to Eno-land as 
agent for botli settlements, obtained of the Plymouth 
(Tunpany a patent for the territory, and permission for the 
inhabitants to institute a government for themselves. In 
J (347, delegates chosen by the freemen, held a general 
assembly at Portsmouth, organized a government, and 
estabUshed a code of laws. The executive power was 
confided to a president and four assistants. 

7. Upon the application of the inhabitants, the king, in 
1663, granted a charter to Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations. Tlie supreme, or legislative power, was to 
6e exercised by an assembly, which was to consist of the 
governor, often assistants, and of representatives from the 
several towns, all to be chosen by the treemen. This as- 
sembly granted to all Christian sects except RonmnCath- 
» olics, tlie right of voting. In IGi')^, they authorized, by 
4aw, the seizure of the estates of Qualicrs, who refused to 
assist in defending the colony ; but tliis law, being gener- 
ally condenmed by the people, was never executed. 

D. When Andross was made governor over New Eng- 
land, he dissolved tlie charter government of Rhode Island, 
and ruled the colony, with tlie assistance of a council ap- 
pointed by himself. After he was imprisoned, at Boston, 
the freemen met at Newport, and voted to resume tlieir 
charter. All tlie officers who, tliree years before, had been 
displaced, were restored. 

9. The benevolence, justice, and pacific policy of Wil- 
hams, secured to tlie colony an almost total exemption 
from Indian hostility. In 1730, the number of mhabitantg 
was 18,000; in 17(U, it Avas 40,000, Brown University 
was founded, at Warren, in 17G4, and was removed, a few 
years after, to Providence. Its founder was Nicholas 
Brown, who gave to tlie institution five thousand dollars. 



cs 

CHAPTEU VI. 
NEW YORK. 

In U)09, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, but sailing m 

the service of tiie Dutch East India Company, discovered 
Lonff Island, tlie harbor of New York, and the river to 
whidi his name has been given. In lf>]3, several Dutch 
merchants, to whom the republic of Holland had granted 
tlie exclusive right of trading to tliis part of America, 
erected afortnear Albany, which tliey named fort Orange, 
and a few tradhig houses on tlie island of New York,tlien 
called, by the Indians, Manhattan. 

2. In the same year, captain Argal, Avho had been sent 
Dy Virginia to drive the French from their settJementa on 
tlie bay of Fundy, visited, on his return, tlie Dutch on 
Hudson's river. Claiming the country for liis nation, by 
riirht of prior discovery, he demanded the ac.Vnowledornent 
of its autiiority. Being few in number, they prudently 
submitted, witnout attempting to resist 

3. But, receiving a reinforcement, the next year, they 
again asserted the right of Holland to the country, and 
erectfd fort Amsterdam, on the south end of the island. 
The Enghsh, for many years, forbore to interfere in their 
pursuits or claims. In 1621, the republic, desirous of 
founding a colony in America, granted to the Dutch West 
India Company, an extensive territory on botli sides of 
the Hudson. The country was called New Netherlands. 4 
The boundaries were not accurately defined, but were 
considered, by tlie company, as including Connecticut river 
at the nortli, Jtnd Delaware river at the south. 

4. In Ki^^i, they erected a fort on the Delaware, which 
they called Nfissau ; and, ten years afterwards, another on 
tlie Connecticut, which they called Good Hope. Near tlie 
former, the Swedes had a settlement. From the inter- 
fei-ing claims of the two nations, quarrels arose between 
tl^ie settlers, wiiich, after continuiiig several years, termi- 
nated in the subjugation of tlie Swedes. Towards the 
fort on the Comiecticut, the settlements of the English 
rapidly approached, and soon occasioned disputes, wiiich 
had a'longer duration and a different result « 

5. The Dutch did not escape the calmnity of war with 
tlie savages, llostilitios commenced m lo43, continued 
several years, and were very dcfitructive to both parties 



NEW YORK. 69 

William Kieft, the governor of the New NetJierlands, 
invited captain Undornill, who had hecn a soldier in Europe, 
and had made hhnself conspicuous in New Hampshire, by 
his eccentricities in religion and conduct, to take command 
Ox^'his troops. Coilectinfr a flying party of one hundred and 
fifty men, he was enabled to preserve the Dutch settlements 
from total destruction. TJie number of Indians, v/hom he 
killed m the course of the Avar, was supposed to exceed 
four hundred. In 1()46, a severe battle was fought on that 
part of Horse-neck called Strickland's Plain. The Dutch 
were victorious ; on both sides great numbers were slain ; 
and for a century afterwards the graves of tlie dead Averc 
distinctly visible. 

6. In 1(J50, Peter Stuyvesant, then the able governor 
of the Nev/ Netherlands, met the commissioners of tlie 
New England colonies at Hartford, where, after much 
altercation, a line of partition between their respective 
territories was fixed by mutual agreem.ent. Long Island 
was divided between them ; tlie Dutcli retained the lands 
which they occupied in Connecticut, surrendering tlieir 
claim to the residue. 

7. But Charles II., denying tiieir right to any portion of 
tlie country, detennined to expel them from it. In ]fl(>4, 
he granted to his brother, the duke of York and Albany, 
all the territory'' between Nova Scotia and Delaware bay ; 
and tliough Elngland and Hohand were tlien at peace, 
mimediately sent tliree ships and three hundred troops to 
put him in possession of his grant. Colonel Robert Nichols 
conducted tiie expedition. The squadron, having visited 
Boston, reached the place of its destination in August. 

8. Tlie commander summoned governor Stuyvesant to 
suiTcnder tlie town, promising to secure to the ii habitants 
their lives, liberty, and prop' rty. At first, he refused; 
but tiie magistrates and people, allured by the proffered 
terms, constrained hira to consent. Fort Orange sun-en- 
dered, soon after, to sir Georoe Carteret. In cornpUment 
to the duke, the name Manhattan Avas clianged to NeAv 
York, and Orange to Albany. ^^ 

9. Nichols assumed tiie government of the country he 
had conquered, and continued, for tl/ree years, to rule over 
It Avith absolute pown-, but with m-eat lenity and justice. 
During his administration. New York Avas'made a city 
Upon his return to England, he Avas succeeded by colonel 
Lovelace, Avho administered the government with equal 
moderation 



fO iN£W YORK. 

10. In 1673, Enffland and Holland bein^ then at war, a 
few Dutch ships were despatched to reconquer tlie country 
On their arrivjil at Staten Island, a short distance from tlie 
city, John MaTmin<7, who had command of the fort, sent 
down a messen'^er, and treacherously made terms with the 
enemy. The I)utc]i sailed up the harbor, landed their 
men, and took posserision of the fort and city, without 
firinsf or recoivinfr a shot 

if. Captain A^ithony Coive was appointed g-ovemor, but 
ho retained tlie authority for a few months only. The 
next yf'ar, peace was concluded, and the country restored 
to tlie EnfrHah. The duke obtained a new patent, confirm- 
injr his title to tiie province, and appointed major Andross, 
\he same who was afterwards the tyrant of New England, 
;o be o-overnor over his territories in America. 

12. Neither tlie administration of Andross, nor that of 
liis successor, Antliony Brockholst, was distinguished by 
any remarkable event' In 1682, colonel Thomas Dong^n, 
who, iis well as tlie duke, was a Roman Catholic, was 
appointed governor, and the next year arrived in tlie colony. 
until- tills time, the governor and council had possessed 
absolute power. The inhabitants, who, whetlier Dutch 
or English, were bom the subjects of a state comparatively 
fi-ee, baving, in an address to the duke, claimed a share in 
tlie legislative authority, colonel Dongan was directed to 
bUow the freeholders to meet and choose representatives. 

13. On tlie 17th of October, the first assembly met, 
consistino- of the counci] and eighteen representatives. 
By the declaration of the goverrior, they M'ere invested 
witii the sole power of enacting la%vs and levying taxes ; 
but, the laws could have no force until ratified by the duke. 
With tliii^ participation of power, the people were gratified 
and contented ; and the colony began to enjoy the inesti- 
mable advantages of a regular govemment 

14. The interior of New York v/as originally inliabited 
by a confederacy which consisted at first of five, and after- 
wards of six nations of Indians. Tliis confederacy was 
formed for mutual defence against the Algonquins, a power- 
ful Canadian nation, and displayed much of tlie wisdom 
and sagacity wliich marJc the institutions of a civilized 
people. By their union, tliey had become formidable to 
tiie surrounding tribes. Bcin^ the aJlies of the Englisli, 
liie French Avere alarmed at tJieir successes, and became 
jealous of their j)ower. 

15. Id 1G84, Do la Barra, tiie governor of Canada, 



NE\? yOUBL 71 

marched to attack them, vdlh an army of seventeen hnn* 
drcd men. His troops suffered so much from hardships, 
famine and sickness, that he was compelled to ask peace 
of tliose whom he had come to exterminate. He invited 
the chiefs of the Five Nations to meet him at his camp, 
and those of three of them accepted the invitation. 
Standing in a circle, fonned by tlie chiefs and liis own 
officers, he addressed a speech to Garranjj-ula, of the 
Onondago tribe, in which he accused the confederates of 
conductrng- the English to the trading grounds of tlie 
Frencli, and tln-eatened them with war and extcmiination 
if they did not alter their behavior. 

16. Garrangula, knowing tlie distresses of the French 
troops, heard Siese threats with contempt. After walking 
five or six times round the circle, he addressed the follow- 
ing bold and sarcastic language to De la Barre, calling him 
Vonnondio, and the English governor, Corlear, 

17. " Yonnondio, I honor you, and tlie warriors tliat are 
with me like wise honor you. Your interpreter has finished 
your speech ; I now begin mine. My words m:ike ha^te 
to reach your ears ; hearken to tliem. Yonnondio, you 
must have believed, when you left Quebec, that the sun 
had consumed all tlie forests which render our country 
inaccessible to the Frencli, or that tlie great lakes had 
overflown theu- banks and surrounded our castles, so that 
It was impossible for us to get out of them. Yes, Yon- 
nondio, you must have dreamed so, and the curiosity of so 

freat a wonder has brought you so far. Now you are un- 
eceived, for f, and the warriors here present, are come to 
assure you, that tlie Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagos, Oney- 
does, and Mohawks, are yet alive. 

18. " I tliank you, in tlieir name, for bringing back into 
their country the pipe of peace, which your predecessor 
received from their hands. It was happy for you that 
you left under ground tliat murdering hatchet which has 
been so often dyed in the blood of the French. Hear, 
Yonnondio, I do not sleep ; I have my eyes open, and the 
sun which enlightens me, discovers tt) me a great captain, 
at the head of a company of sokhers, who speaks as if he 
was dreaming. He says that he only came to smoke the 
great pipe of peace with the Onondagos. But Garrangula 
says, that he sees the contrary ; that it was to knock them 
on tJie head, if sickness hafl not weakened the amis of . 
the French. 

IJ). "We carried the English to our lakes, to trade ther9 



72 NEW YORK. 

with the Utawawas and Qiiatoghies, as the Adirondaos 
brought the French to our castles to carry on a trade which 
tlie Enghsh say is theirs. We are born ti-ee ; we neither 
depend on Yonnondio nor Corlear. W"e may go wjiere we 
please, and buy and sell Avhat we please. If your aliiea 
are your slaves, use them as such; command them to 
receive no otlier but your people. 

20. "Hear, Yonnondio; what I say is the voice of all 
the Five Nations. When they buried the hatchet at 
Cadaracui, in tlie middle of tlie fort, tliey planted tlie ti-ee 
of peace in the same place, to be there carefully preserved, 
that, instead of a retreat for soldiers, tlie fort might be a 
rendezvous for merchants. Take care that the many 
soldier's who a])pear there, do not choke the tree of peace, 
and prevent it from covering your country and ours with 
its branches. I assure you tliat our warriors shall dance 
under its leaves, and will never dig up tlie hatchet to cut 
it down, till their brother Yonnondio or Corlear shall 
invade the country which the Great Spirit has given to 
our ancestors." 

21. De la Barre was mortified and enraged at this bold 
reply ; but, submitting to necessity, he concluded a treaty 
of peace, and returned to Montreal. His successor, De 
Nonville, led a larger army against the confederates; but 
fell into an ambuscade and was defeated. These v/ars 
within tlie limits of the colony, kept colonel Dongan 
actively employed, and served to perpetuate tlie enmity of 
tlie Indians against tiie French, and their attachment to 
the English. 

22. In the mean time, the duke of York ascended tJie 
tlirone of England. Claiming unlimited authority as king, 
and professing the Catholic religion, he was hated and 
feared by a great portion of the inhabitants, who were 
devoted to tlie cause of freedom, and to the principles of 
the Protestants. The governor was also an object of their 
dislike and distrust. Catholics, countenanced by him, 
repaired in great numbers to the colony, and pious Protest- 
mits trembled for tiieir religion. 

23. In the beginning of tht; year 1G81), information was 
received from England that the people had resolved to 
dethrone their sovereign, and otler the crown to William, 
prince of Orange; and from Massachusetts, that the 
citizens had deposed and imprisoned sir Edmund Andross, 
their governor. This encouraged the disaftected, and 
presented an example for their imitation. 



NEW YORK, rS 

24. Several militia captams assembled to determine ou 
the mesLsures expedient to be adopted. Of these, Jacob 
Leisler was tlie most active. He was destitute of every 
qualification necessary to conduct a difficult enterprise, 
but possessed the esteem and confidence of the other 
officers, and of the people. Milbome, liis son-in-law, 
concertcid all iiis measures, and controlled his conduct 

25. They determined to obtain possession of tlie fort. 
Loisler entered it with fifty men, and published a declara- 
tion in favor of the prince of Orange. The mag-istrateu 
and most respectable citizens discountenanced the pro- 
ceeding", and, at first, but few had the courage to declaro 
themselves his friends. To induce them to act, a report 
was circulated that three ships, with orders from the 
prince, were sailing up the harbor. His party was instantJy 
augmented by six captains, and nearly five hundred men, 
a force sufficient to overpower all opposition. 

26. Before tliese disturbances, colonel Dongan had re- 
signed his office, and embarked for England. Lieutenant- 
governor Nicholson, unable to contend with Leisler, 
absconded in the night The province being thus left 
^vithout a chief magistrate, LcisIer was promoted, by liia 
adherents, to that sUition. He sent an address to king 
William and queen Mary, whose authority lie acknowl- 
edged, and, soon after, a private letter to the kmg, express- 
mg, in low and incorrect language, the warmest protesta- 
tions of loyalty and zeal. 

27. His sudden elevation excited the envy of those 
magistrates and citizens who had declined to join him in 
proclaiming king William. Bayard and Courtiandt, unable 
to raise a party against him in the city, retired to Albany, 
where tlieir exertions were successful. To diminish tlieir 
mfluence, and to allay the jealousy of others, he invited 
several worthy citizens to unite witii him in administering 
tlie government, a trust which had been confided to him 
alone, by tlie mUitia. 

28. In a few months, however, a letter arrived from tlio 
ministry m England, directed " to such as, for the time be- 
ing, take care for administering the laws of the province," 
and conferring autliority to pertbrm all tJie duties of lieu- 
ten-ant-governor. Leisler considered this letter addressed 
to himself, assumed tlie autliority conferred, appointed his 
council, and issued commissions in his o"\vti name. 

yi*. Th(? people of Albany, led by Bayard^ Courtiandt, 



TA NEW YORK. 

and Livingston, acknowledged king William, but refused to 
submic to Leisier. JMilbome Avas sent with a body of 
troops to enforce obedience, but, finding them united, he 
returned without, attempting it. The next sprmg, going 
with a stronger force, he succeeded. The leaders of the 
party fled, and tlieir property was contiscated. This 
aroitrary and unjust measure so exasperated tiie sufferers, 
tiiat tliey and their posterity long retained tlic most violent 
animosity against Leisier and his adherents. 

'30. During tJiese troubles in the colony, war was de- 
clared between France and England. De Nonville being 
recalled, count Frontenac was appointed governor of 
Canada. In January, ](i*.)0, he despatched several parties 
ajrainst the English settlements. One of these, consisting 
of Frenchmen'and Caghnuaga Indians, was sent against 
Albany, but resolved to attack Schenectady, l^o tlie 
inhabitants of iliis village, information was given of their 
danger; but they, judgmg it impossible for the enemy to 
march several hundretl miles in the depth of winter, disre- 
garded the intelligence. No regular watch was kept, nor 
mihtary order observed. 

31. The French and Indians arrived near tne town ov 
the eighth of February. They divided their number intc 
small parties, that every house niigiit be invested at tiie 
same time. On Saturday nigiit, at eleven o'clock, they 
entered at the gates, winch they found unshut. The in- 
habitants having retired to rest, universal stillness reigned. 
{Suddenly, in every quarter, tlie horrid yell was heard. 
They sprang from their beds, conscious of the danger 
which surrounded "them. Opening their doors, they met 
the savages, with uplifted tomahawks, on the threshold. 
Each, at the same instant, heard the cry of his affrighted 
neighbor. Soon succeeded the groans of tlie dying. In a 
few minutes, the buildings were on tire. Women were 
nutcheied, and cliildren tliroAvn alive into the flarnes. The 
Indians, frantic from slaughter, ran, with fatai haste, 
tlirough the village, massacring many, who, in their 
attempts to escape, were betrayed by the light of their 
own houses. 

32. Some eluded their piirsuers ; but a fate almost as 
dreadful awaited them. They Avere naked ; a furious 
stonn came on ; Albany, tlieir only refuge, was at a dis- 
tance ; and often their toiTor converted mto savages tlio 
trees and wild beasts which they saw in their flight. Part 



ISEW YORK. 73 

amved in safety ; twenty-five lost their limbs by the 
severity of tlie cold. At Schenectady, sixty were C-illed, 
and tw'enty-tive made prisoners. 

33. To avenge these barbarities, and others perpetrated 
in New England, a combined expedition against Canada 
was projected. An army, raised in New Vorlc and Con- 
necticut, proceeded as far as the nead of lake Champlain, 
whence, finding no boats prepared, they were obhged to 
retm-n. Sir VVilliam Phipps, with a fleet of more than 
thirty vessels, sailed from Boston into the St. Lawrence, 
and, landing a body of troops, made an attack by land and 
water upon Quebec ; but tiie return of tlie army to New 
York, allowing the whole force of the enemy to repeir to 
tlie assistance of the garrison, he was obliged to abandon 
the enterprise. To the misconduct or incapacity of 
Leisler and Milborne, the failure of tliis expedition vas 
attributed. 

34. As soon asking William could find leisure to attend 
to his colonies, he appointed colonel Henry Sloughter 
governor of New York. Never was a governor more 
necessary to the province, and never, perhaps, has it been 
Miled by one less qualified for the station. He was desti- 
tute of talents, licentious, avaricious, and a bankrupt. 

35. Leisler, when informed of tliis appointmient, ought 
to have relinquished the authority he had exercised; but 
he was weak, intoxicated with power, and determined to 
retain it. Altiiough twice required, he refused to surren- 
der the fort ; but sent two persons to confer with the 
gov'ernor, who, declaring them rebels, arrested and con- 
fined them. Alanned by this measure, Leisler attempted 
to escape, but was appre'hended, with many of his adhe- 
rents, and brought to trial. 

36. In vain did they plead their zeal for king WUliam. 
In vain did Leisler insist that the letter from England 
authorized him to administer the government. They had 
lately resisted a g-overnor with a regular commission, and 
this governor, antl a subservient court, were resolved upon 
their conviction. Leisler and Milborne were condemned 
to death for hin-h treason. 

37. Soon alter their trial, the aflTairs of the province 
required Sloughter's presence at Albany. The faction 
opposed to them, entreated him, before his dj?parture, to 
sign the M^arrant for their execution y but he, unwf ling 
to sacrifice two men, who, though thev had sometimes 
erred, had served his master with zeal, refused. Unable 



76 nsiw rORK. 

to effect their puipose by persuasion, they resorted to a 
detestable expedient A sumptuous feast was prepared, 
to which the governor was invited. When he had drunk 
to intoxication, they presented him the warrant, which he 
eig-ned, and when ne had recovered his senses, the prison- 
ers were no more. 

38. On apphcation to the king, their estates, which had 
been confiscated, were restored to their heirs. Their 
bodies were afterwards taken up and interred, with great 
pomp, in the old Dutch church ; and theii- descendants are 
considered honored, rather than disgraced, by the conduct 
and fall of tlieir ancestors. 

J39. In July, 1691, Sloughter, having returned from 
Albany, ended, by a sudden death, a short, weak, and 
turbulent administration. About the same time, major 
Peter Schuyler, at the head of three hundred Mohawks, 
made a sudden and bold attack upon the French settle- 
ments, at the north end of lake Champlain. An army of 
eight hundred men was despatched from Montreal to 
©pposc him. With these he had several irregular, but 
successful conflicts ; in which he killed a number of the 
enemy, greater than that of his whole party. 

40. In 16i)2, colonel Fletcher arrived as successor to 
Slough te-. He was a good soldier, was active, avaricious, 
and passionate. From the talents and inforraation of major 
Schuyler, he derived great assistance, and was governed 
by his idvice, particularly in transactions relative to the 
Indians. 

41. As a great portion of the inhabitants were Dutch, 
all the governors, to produce uniformity in religion and 
language, had encouraged English preachers and school- 
masters to settle in the colony. No one pursued this ob- 
ject with more zeal than Fletcher, who was devoted to the 
church of England. At two successive sessions, he rec- 
ommended the subject to the attention of the assembly ; 
but tlie members, being generrdly attached to tlie church 
of Holland, disregarded "his recommendations. For this 
neglect he gave Uiem a severe reprimand, 

42. The subject being laid before them, at a subsequent 
session, they passed a bill providing for the settlement, in 
certain parishes, of ministers of the gospel, to be chosen 
by the people. The council added an amendment, giving 
to tliej^overnor the power of approval or rejection. The 
house refused to concur in the amendment, at wliich 
Fletcher was so much em-aged, tliat he conunanded them 



NEW YORK. 77 

instantly to attend him, and, addressing tiiem in an angry 
speech, prorogued tlieni to tJie next year. 

43. In 1697, a peace, which gave security and repose to 
the colonies, was concluded between Great Britain and 
France. Tlie next year, the earl of Bellamont was ap- 
pointed governor. He was particularly instructed to clear 
tlie American seas of the pirates Avho infested tliem, and 
who, it was suspected, had even received encouragement 
from Flctclier. 

44. The government declining to mrnish tlie necessary 
naval force, the earl engaged, witli others, in a private 
undertaking against them. The associates, procuring a 
vessel of war, gave the command of it to a captain liid, 
and sent him to cruise against the pirates. He had been 
but a short tnne at sea, when, disregarding his instructions, 
lie made a new contract with his crew, and, on the Atlantic, 
and Indian oceans, became liimself a daring, atrocious^ 
and successful pirate. 

45. Three years afterwards, he returned, burned his 
ship, and, Avitli a strange infatuation, appeared publicly at 
Boston. He was apprehended and sent to England, where 
he was tried and executed. The earl and Ins partners, 
some of whom resided in England, were accused of 
sharing in his plunder, but in all his examinations he 
declared them innocent. 

46. Notwitlistanding the deatli of Leisler, the people 
were still divided into Leislerians and anti-Leisleriana. 
Fletcher ,had been the instrument of the latter; lord 
Bellamont espoused the cause of the ibrmer. He, how- 
ever, persecuted no one ; but exercised authority witii 
justice and moderation. He died in 1701. 

47. The next year, lord Cornbury was appointed gov- 
ernor. He presented a striking proof of tlie folly of he- 
reditary distinctions. He was' tne son of the celebrated 
earl of Clarendon; but possessed not one of the virtues of 
his ancestor. Mean, pnifligate, and unprincipled, he wai3 

jckburden to his friends at home, and was sent to America 
to be beyond the reach ol'his creditors. 

48. He declared himself an anti-Leislerian, and the first 
assembly tliat he summoned was composed principally of 
men of that party. They presented him two thousand 
pounds to defray the expenses of his voyage. They raised 
several sums of money tor public purposes, but the expendi- 
ture being mtrusted to him as governor, he appropriated 
tnoat nfit to his own use. 

7* 



78 NEW YORK. 

49. His acts of injustice and oppression ; his p-odigality 
his indecent and vuln-ar manners, rendered him universally 
odious. In 1708, the assemblies of New York and of 
New Jersey, of wliich colony he was also governor, com- 
plained to the queen of his misconduct She removed him 
rroni office ; he was soon after arrested by his creditors, 
and remained in custody until the death of his illustrious 
father, Avhen he returned to England and took his seat in 
tlie house of lords. 

50. A proceeding of the house of representatives, near 
the close of his administration, ought not to be passed over 
without notice. Wearied by their sufferings, they ap- 
pointed a committee of gnevances, who reported a series 
of resolutions havin^f reference to recent transactions, which 
resolutions were adopted by the house. One of them, in 
explicit language, asserted the principle, " that the impos- 
mg and levying of any moneys upon her majesty's subjects 
i)f this colony, under any pretence or color whatsoever, 
without consent in general assembly, is a grievance and a 
violation of tlio people's property." It is not uninstructive 
to observe how early, in some of the colonics, were so^vn 
tiie seeds of the American revolution. 

51. In 1710, general Hunter, who had been appointed 
governor, arrived in the province. He brougiit with liim 
near three thousand Germans, some of whom settled in 
New York, and some in Pennsylvania, 'i'lie latter trans- 
mitted to tlieir native land such" favorable accounts of the 
country which tliey had chosen for their residence, that 
many others followed and settled in tliat colony. The 
numerous descendants of these Germans are honest, indus- 
trious, and useful citizens. 

5'-^. The prodigality of lord Combury had taught the 
assembly an important lesson. Before his removal, they 
had obtained from the queen permission, in cases of special 
appropriations, to appoint their own treasurer. They now 
passed a bill confiding to tliis officer the disbursement of 
certain sums appropriated for ordinary purposes, Tiie 
council proposed an amendment. The house denied the 
right of that body to amend a money bill. Botli continuing 
obstinate, the governor prorogued them, and at their next 
session dissolved them. 

53. At tliis time, war existed between England and 
France. In 1709, expensive preparations were made for 
an attack upon Canada, but tne promised assistance not 
itoiving from Kugiand, tlie eaterpriso was abandoned. In 



NEW YORK. 79 

1711, the project was resumed. A fleet saided up the 
St. LaAvrence, to attack Quebec ; and an army ot four 
thousand men, raised by New York, Noav Jersey, and 
Connecticut, marched to invade Canada, by the route of 
lake Champlain. The fleet, shattered by a storm, was 
compelled to return. The army, informed of the disasters 
of the fleet, returned also, having accomplished notliing. 

54. The people, approving tlie conduct of their represen- 
tatives in relation to the revenue, had re-elected nearly all 
of tlicm, and they were now in session. To defray the 
expenses of the late expedition, they passed several bilJa 
wliicli were amended in tlie council." Between these two 
bodies, another contest ensued. I^he representatives, de- 
riving their authority from tlie people, considered them- 
selves bound to watch over the expenditure of their money. 
The council, deriving their authority from the same source 
as the governor, were desirous of mcreasing his influence 
by giving him the management of tlie revenue. During 
tliis, and a subsequent session, both continued inflexible. 
The governor, provoked at the obstinacy of the represen- 
tatives, dissolved tlie assembly. , 

55. At the ensuing election, which was warmly con- 
tested, most of tlie members cnosen were opposea to the 
governor. This assembly was dissolved by the death ol 
Uie queen. The next was dissolved by tlie governor, soon 
after it first met, a majority of tlie representatives being 
known to be unfriendly to his views. The people became 
weaiy of contending. Most of the members chosen at the 
succeeding election, were liis friends and partisans, and, 
for several years, tiie utmost harmony existed between 
the different branches of the government 

56. Governor Hunter quitted the province in 1719, and 
his authority devolved on Peter Schuyler, the oldest mem- 
ber of the council. The next year, Wilham Burnet, son 
of the celebrated bishop of that name, was appointed gov- 
ernor. Turning his attention towards tlie wilderness, he 
perceived tliat me French, in order to connect their settle- 
ments in Canada and Louisiana, to secure to tliemselves 
the Indian trade, and to confine the Enghsh to the sea 
coast, were busily employed in erecting a chain of forts 
from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi. 

57. He endeavored to defeat their design, by building a 
trading house, and afterwards a foi-t, at Oswego, on lalte 
Ontario. But tlie French had the command of more 
abimdant resources, and applied them to the accomplish- 



80 NEW VORR. 

merit of their object, with great aotivity and zeal. They 
launched two vessels upon that lake ; auil, going fartlier 
into the wilderness, erected a fort at Niagara, commanding 
the entrance into it; they had previously erected fort 
Frontenac, commanding tlie outlet. 

58. The assembly, elected m 1716, had been so obse- 
quious to the governor, that he continued it in existence 
until the clamors of the people induced him, in 1727, to 
dissolve it. That which next met, was composed entirely 
of his opponents. The court of chancery, in Avhich ^iC^ 
presided, had become exceedingly unpopular. It had b jen 
instituted by an ordinance of the governor and council, 
>vithout the concuiTCuce of the assembly ; the mode of 
proceedmg was novel ; and some of the decisions had 
given great offence to poAverful individuals. The house 
passed resolutions declaring it "a manifest oppression 
and grievance," and intimating that its decrees were void. 
The governor instantly called the assembly before liim, 
and dissolved it. 

59. Being soon after appointed governor of Massachu- 
setts, he was succeeded by colonel Montgomery, upon 
whose death, in 1731, the supreme authority tfevolved 
upon Rip Van Dam, the senior member of trie council. 
Jnder his short and inefficient administration, the French 
were permitted to erect a fort at Crown Point, within tlie 
acknowledged boundaries of New York, from ^v;hich par- 
ties of savages were often secretly despatched to destroy 
the Enorhsh settlements. 

(X). Van Dam. was superseded by William Cosby, who 
arrived in August, 17.32. Having been the advocate, in 
parliament, of tlie American colonies, he was at first 
popular, but soon lost the affection and confidence of the 
people. By his instigation, one Zengcr, tlie printer of a 
newspaper, was prosecuted for publTshing an article de- 
clared to be derogatory to the dignity of his majesty's 
government. He was zealously defended by able counsel, 
and an independent jury gave a verdict of acquittal. The 
people applauded their conduct, and tlie magistrates of tiie 
city of New York presented to Andi-cw Hamilton, one of 
his defenders, the freedom of the . city, in a o-old box, and 
ilieir thanks for "his learned and generous defence of tlie 
rights of mankind, and the liberty of the ]H-es3." 

(Jl. Governor Cosby died in 173(], and was succeeded 
by George Clark, at tiiat time senior counsellor, but soon 
after appointed lieutenant-governor. Again was revived 



l^EW YORK. 81 

tlie contest Trhich had ended, twenty yeara before, in the 
victory gained by ffovemor Hunter, over the house of 
representatives. Tne colony being in debt, the house 
voted to raise the sum of six thousand pounds; but, in 
order to prevent its misapplication, declared, that it 
should be applied to the payment of certain specified 
debts. Oftended by this vote, Clark resorted to the ex- 
pedient ■vvjiich had usually been adccted to punish or 
intimidate ; he immediately dissolved the assembly. 

62. At tlie next election, great exertions were made 
by tlie opposmg parties. The popular party was ti'ium- 
pnant. At tiieir second session, tlie house voted an 
address to the lieutenant-^ovenior, which is worthy of 
particular notice. In bold and explicit language, they 
Btate some of the vital principles of free government, 
refer to recent misapplications of money, and proceed: — 

63. "We therefore beg leave to be plain with your 
honor, and hope you wHl not take it amiss when we tell 
you, tiiat jou are not to expect tliat we will either raise 
sums untit to be raised, or put what we shall raise into 
tJie power of a governor to misapply, if we can prevent 
it; nor shall we make up any other deficiencies than 
what we conceive are fit and just to be paid ; nor con- 
tinue what support or revenue we shall raise, for any 
.onger time tlian one year; nor do we tliink it convenient 
to do even that, until such laws are passed as we conceive 
necessary for the safety of the inhabitants of this colony. 
who have reposed a trust in us for that only purpose, and 
which we are sure you will tliink it reasonable we should 
act agreeably to; and by the grace of God we shsJL 
endeavor not to deceive them." 

64. With a body of men, so resolute in asserting their 
rights, the lieutenant-governor wisely forbore to contend. 
He tlianked them for their address, and promised hia 
cordial co-operation in aJl measures calculated to promote 
tlie prosperity of the colony. He gave his assent to a 
law providing for the more trequent election of represen- 
tatives ; which law, however, two years afterwards, was 
abrogated by the king. 

6d. But between a house of representatives and a chief 
magistrate, deriving tlieir authority from different sources, 
harmony could not long subsist. Mr. Clark, in his speech 
at tlie opening of tlie next session, declared that unless 
tlie revenue was granted for as long a time as it had been 
granted by former assemblies, his duty to liia majesty 



b^ NEW i'ORK. 

forbade hira from apsenting to any act for continuing the 
excise, or for payincr the colonial bills of credit. The 
house LinaniiTioaslv resolved, that it would not pass any bill 
for the grant of money, unless assurance should be g-iven 
that the excise should be continued and the bills of credit 
redeemed. 

iJG. The lieutenant-governor immediately ordered the 
members to attend him. lie told tlicm that "their pro- 
ceedings were prcsumptrious, daring, and unprecedented , 
that he^ could not look upon them without astonishment, 
nor with honor suffer tlie house to sit any longer ;" and he 
accordingly dissolved it. Little more tlian a year had 
elapsed, since the members were chosen ; but in that time 
they had, by their firm and spirited conduct, in support, of 
the rights of the pedple, merited the gratitude of their 
constituents. 

67. About this time, a supposed " negro plot" occasioned 

freat commotion and alarm in the city of New York, 
'he frequent occurrence of fires, most of which were 
evidently caused by design, first excited the jealousy and 
suspicion of tlie citizens. Terrified by danger which 
lurked unseen in the midst of them, they listt^ned with 
eager credulity to the declaration of some abandoned 
females, that the negroes had combined to burn the city 
and make one of their number governor. Many Avere 
arrested and committed to prison. Other witnesses, not 
more respectable than the first, came forward ; other 
negroes were accused, and even several white men were 
designftod as concerned in the plot. 

68. When tlie time of trial arrived, so strong was the 
prejudice against the miserable negroes, that every lawyer 
in the city volunteered against them. Ignorant and 
unassisted, nearly all Avho were tried were condemned. 
Fourteen were sentenced to be burned, eighteen to be hung, 
seventy-one to be transported, and ?jr these sentences 
were executed. Of the whites two were convicted and 
suffered death. 

61). All apprehension of danger having subsided, raanv 
began to doubt whether any plot had in fact been concerted. 
None of the witnesses were persons of credit, tlieir stories 
were extravagant and often contradictory ; and the project 
was such as none but fools or madmen would f^rm. The 
two white men were respectable ; one had received a 
liberal education, but he was a Catholic, and tlie prejudice 
agamst Catholics was too violent to permit the free exer 



NEW YOllK. cS 

cise of reason. Some of the accused were doubtless miilty 
of setting fire to tlie city ; but the proof of tlie alleged f lot 
was not sufficiently clear to justify tlie numerous and cruel 
punishments that were inflicted. — 

70. In April, 1740, the assembly again met. It had 
now risen to importance in the colon)^ Tlie adherence of 
the representatives to tlieir determination, not to grant tlie 
revenue for more, than one yen r, made annual meetings 
of the assembly necessary. This attachment to liberty 
was mistaken for the desire of independence. Lieutenant- 
governor Clark, in a speech deliven^d in 1741, alludes to 
*'a jealousy which for some years had obtained in Eng- 
land, that the plantations were not Avithout thoughts of 
tlirowing off their dependence on the crown." 

71. In 1743, George Clinton was sent over as governor 
of tlie colony. Like most of his predecessors^ he was 
welcomed with joy ; and one of his earliest measures 
confirmed tlie favorable accounts, which had preceded 
him, of his talents and liberality. To show liis willingness 
to repose confidence in the people, he assented to a bill 
hniitin^ the duration of the present and all succeeding 
assemblies. The house manifested its gratitude b 
adopting tlie measures he recommended for tlie defence 
of the province against the French, who were then at wa. 
with England. 

72. In 1745, the savages in alliance witli France made 
frequent invasions of tlie English territories. Tlie inhab- 
itants were compelled to desert Hosick; Saratoga was 
destroyed ; the western settlements m New England were 
often attacked and plundered. Encouraged by success, 
the enemy became more daring, ant! small parties ventured 
within tlie suburbs of Albany, and there lay m wait for 
prisoners. It is even said that one Indian, called Tomon- 
wilemon, often entered the city and succeeded in taidn^ 
captives. 

73. Distressed by these incursions, the Jissembly, in 
174(), determined to unite with the other colonies and the 
mothei counti-y in an expedition against Canada. They 
appropriated money to purchase provisions for the araiy, 
and oftered liberal bounties to recruits. But tlie fleet from 
England did not arrive at tlie appointed time ; the other 
colonies were dilatory in their preparations, and before 
tliev were completed, the season for military operations 
had passed away. 

74. Early in the next year, a treaty was concluded, and 



Si NEW JERSEY. 

die inhabitants were, for a short period, relieved from the 
burdens and distresses of war. During the interval of 
peace, no event of importance haopened in tlie colony. 
Upon the recurrence, a few years auerAvards, of hostilities, 
its territory was the theatre of sanguinary conflicts. But 
of that war, in wliich all the colonies acted in concert, a 
comiectftd history will be hereafter given. 



CHAPTER VTT, ' 

NEW JERSEY. 

The first eettlement within the limits of New Jersey 
was made by the Danes, about the year 1()24, at a place 
called Bergen, from a city of that name in Norway. Soon 
afterwards, several Dutch families seated themselves in 
the vicinity of New York. In 1626, a company was 
formed in Sweden, under the patronage of king Gustavua 
Adolphus, for tlie purpose of planting a colony in America, 
The next year, a number of Swedes and Finns came over 
purchased of tlie natives the land on botli sides of the rivef 
Delaware, bat made tlieir first settlement on its western 
bank, near Cliristina creek. 

2. About the year 1640, Uie English began a plantation 
at Elsingburgh, on its eastern bank. 'JThe Swedes, in 
concert with the Dutch who then possessed New York, 
drove them out of the country. The former buiJt a fort 
on the spot whence the English had been driven ; and, 
gaining tnus the coimnand of the river, claimed and exer- 
cised authority over all vessels tiiat entered it, even those 
of the Dutch, their late associates. 

3. They continued in possession of the country, on both 
sides of tlie Delaware, until 1655, when Peter Stuyvesant, 
governor of the New Netherlands, having obtained assist- 
ance from Holland, conquered all tlieir posts and trans- 
ported most of tlie Swedes to Europe. The Dutch were 
now m possession of the territory, comprising, at tliis time, 
the states of New Jersey, New York, and DelaAvare. 

4. Soon, however, this territory changed masters. King 
Charles H., having granted it to the duke of York, sent an 
armament, in 16()4, to wrest it from the Dutcli. After 
reducing New York, the squadron proceeded to tlie settle- 
ments on Uie Delawnre/ tvliich uninediatcly snbrnitted. 



NEW JERSEY. 85 

In the Bame year, the duke conveyed that portion of hia 

grant lyin^ between Hudson and Delaware rivers, to lord 
erkeley and sir George Carteret This tract was called 
New Jersey, in compliment to sir George, who had been 
governor of the island of Jersey, and had held it for kmg 
Charles in his contest with the parliament. 

5. The two proprietors fonned a constitution for tliG 
colony, securhig equal privileges and liberty of conscience 
to all, and appomtcd Philip Carteret governor. ^.lie came 
over in 1665, fixed tlio seat of government at Ehzabeth- 
to'v\Ti, purchased land of tlie Indians, and sent agents into 
New England to invite settlers from tliat quarter. The 
terms offered were so favorable that many accepted the 
invitation. 

6. A few years aftenvards, the repose of the colony beo-an 
to be disturbed by domestic disputes. Some of the mhahit- 
ants, having purchased their lands of tlie Indians previous 
to the conveyance fi-om the duke, refused to pay rent to 
the proprietors. Others were discontented from different 
causes. In 1672, an insurrection took place, the people 
assumed the government, and chose James Carteret, the 
eon of Philip, their governor. The father returned to 
England, ana obtained from tlie proprietors such favorable 
concessions and promises as quieted the people, and in- 
duced them again to submit to his authority. 

7. Lord Berkeley disposed of Ms property, rights, and 

Crivileges in the ten-itory, to Edward Billmge; and he. 
eing mvolved in debt, consented that they should be sold 
for the benefit of his creditors. Williaji Peisn, Gawen 
Lowrie, and Nicholas Lucas, were appointed trustees for 
that purpose. In 1676, tiie triistees and sir George Car- 
teret made partition of tlie territory, tliey taking tlie western 
and he the eastern portion. 

8. West Jersey was tlien divided into one hundred 
shares, which were separately sold. Some of the pnrchas- 
ers emigrated to tlie country, and all made great exertions 
to promote its population. Possessing the powers of gov- 
ernment, as well as the right of soil, they formed a consti- 
tution, in wliich, for the encouragement of emigrants, they 
secured to them ample privileges. 

9. But previous to the transfer from Berkeley to Billin^e, 
the Dutch, being at war with England, reconquered me 
country, and retained it, until 1674, when it was restored 
by treaty. A new patent was then "ranted to tlie duke, 
including the same territory as the wrmer. In 1678, sir 

8 



60 NEW JERSEY. 

Edmund Andross, who had been appointed his sole governor 
in America, claimed jurisdiction over the Jerseys, msisting 
Uiat the conquest by the Dutch divested tiie proprietors 
of all their rights. 

10. He forcibly seized, transported to New York, and 
there imprisoned those magistrates who refused to aclaiowl- 
edfre his autliority. He imposed a duty upon all goods 
unported, and upon tlie property of all Avho came to settle 
hi the country. Of this hyustice the inhabitants loudly 
complained to tlie duke ; and at length their repeated 
remonstrances constramed liim to refer tlie matter to 
commissioners. 

11. Before them the proprietors appeared. In strong 
language they asserted, and by strong arguments supported 
tlieir claim to the privileges of freemen. They represented, 
that the king had granted to the duke the right of govern- 
ment as well as tlie ricrlit of soil. That the dul;e had 
transferred tiie same rights to Berkeley and Carteret, ana 
tliey to tlie present proprietors. 

12. " That only," tliey added, " could have induced ua 
to purciiase lands and emigrate. And the reason is plain 
to all prudent men, tlie rrovernment of any place is mors* 
inviting tlian the soil ; for what is good land without gooi. 
laws ? What but an assurance that we should enjoy civil 
and religious privileges, could have tempted us to leave a 
cultivated country, and resort to a gloomy wilderness? 
What have we gained, if, after adventuring in this wilder* 
ness many thousands of pounds, we are yet to be taxed at 
the mere will and pleasure of another ? What is it but to 
say, tliat people free by law under their prince at home, 
are at his mercy in his plantations abroad ? 

13. " We humbly say, tliat we have lost none of our 
Jiberty by leaving our country ; that the duty imposed upon 
AS is witliout precedent or parallel ; tliat, had we foreseen 
it, we should have preferred any other plantation in Amer- 
ica. Besides, there is no limit to tliis power ; since avo 
are, by tliis precedent, taxed without any law, and thereby 
excluded from our English right of aasentino- to ta^xcs; 
wnat security have we of any thing we possess? We can 
call nothing our own, but arc tenants at will, not only for 
the soil, but for our personal estates. Such conduct has 
destroyed governments, but never raised one to any true 
greatjiess.' 

14. The commissioners adjudged the duties illegal and 
oppressive, and iliey were not afterwards demanded. 



J>ELAWARE. 87 

Emigrants continued to arrive and tlie country to prosper 
In lb81, the governor of West Jersey summoned a gen-^ 
eral assembly, by which several fundamental laws Avere 
enacted, establishing the rights of the people, and defining' 
the powers of rulers. 

15. In 1GS2, tiie territory of East Jersey passed from 
Carteret to William Peun, and twenty -three associates, 
mostly of the Quaker persuasion. They appointed Robert 
Barclay, author of the " Apology for the Quakers," gover- 
nor over it for life. The multitude of proprietors, and the 
frequent transfers and subdivisions of shares, introduced 
such confusion in titles to land, and such uncertainty as to 
the risrhts of government, that, for twenty vears atlcrAvards, 
both .ferseys were in a state of continuecl disturbance and 
disorder. In 1702, the proprietors, weary of contending 
with each other, and Avitli the people, surrendered the 
right of government to tlie crown. Queen Anne reunited 
the two divisions, and appointed lord Cornbury governor 
over the provinces of New Jersey and New York, 

16. These provinces continued, for several years, to be 
Tuled by the same governor, but each chose a separate 
assembly. In 17*^ the inhabitants, by petition to the 
King, desired that they might, in future, have a separate 
governor. Their request was granted, Lewis Morris being 
flie first that was appointed. 

17. In tlie same year, a college was founded at Prince- 
tx)n and called Nassau Hall. New Jersey then contained 
above forty tJiousand inhabitants. Being remote from, 
Canada, the source of most of the Indian wars which 
afflicted the nortliern colonies, it enjoyed a complete 
exemption from that terrible calamitv, and until the com- 
mencement of the revolution, furnished no materials foy 
history. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DELAWARE. 

This colony was first settled by a company of Swedes 
and Finns, under the patronag-e of king GustaAois Adolphus. 
They came ovei in 1627. and landing at cape Henlopen, 
were so charmed with its appearance, that they gave it 
the name of Paradise Pomt The country thiey called 



88 DELAWARE. 

New STsreden, and the nvcr Delaware, New Swedeland 
stream. Thej^ purchased of the Indians the lands on both 
Bides of that river, from the sea to the falls, and seated 
themselves at tlie moutli of Christina creek, near Wil- 
minion. 

2. Being frequently molested by the Dutch, who claimed 
a ri^ht to the country, they, for their protection, built forta 
at Christina, Lewistown, and Tinicum. The last wa3 
Jheir seat of government, and tliere John Printz, tlieir 

fovernor, erected an elegant mansion, which he name(' 
rintz Hall. 

3. In 1651, the Dutch built a fort at New Castle. 
Printz, considerino- tliis place to be within the Swedish 
territories, formally protested against the proceeding 
Risinf^h, his successor, made a visit, under the guise of 
friendsliip, to tlie commander of the fort, and, being ac- 
companied by thirty men, treacherously took possession of 
it, while enjoying his hospitality. 

4. Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of New York, 
was not of a temper to permit an injury thus committed to 
pass unavenged. Accompanied by an armament, a part of 
which was furnished for the occasion by tlie city of Am- 
sterdam, in Holland, he, in 1C55, returned the visit of the 
Swedes. He first reduced the fort at New Castle ; tlien 
tliat at Cliristina creek, wliere Risingh commanded ; and 
afterwards the others. Some of the Swedes, on taking 
tlie oath of allegiance to Holland, were permitted to re- 
main ; tlie rest were sent to Europe. 

5. The settlements on the Delaware continued under the 
control of the Dutch, until 1664, when the New Nether- 
lands were conquered by the English. They were then 
considered as a part of New York. In 1(j82, William 
Penn purchased of tlie duke of York, the town of New 
Castle, and tlie country twelve miles around it ; and by a 
subsequent purcliase, obtained the land lying upon the 
Delaware, and between New Castle and cape Henlopen. 
These tracts, w.'iich constitute the present state of Dela- 
ware, were called the " Territories," and were, for twenty 
years, governed as a part of Pennsylvania. 

6. l^iev were divided into three counties, New Castle, 
Kent, and. Sussex, each of which sent six delegates to tlie 
general assembly. In 1703, these delegates, dissatisfied 
with tlie last charter which Penn had prepared, and a 
majority of the assembly had adopted, seceded, and, liberty 
being given, formed a separate and distinct assembly. The 



PENNSYLVANIA. b9 

two portions of the province were never afterwards united, 
but me proprietor continued to possess tlie same jurisdic- 
tion, and tne same person uniformly acted as governor 
over both. 

7. Sheltered by tlie surrounding provinces, Delaware 
enjoyed an entire exemption from wars, except those in 
which, as a part of tlie British empire, she was obliged to 
participate. In tlie war with France, which termmated 
m 17(>J, she was second to none in active zeal to assist 
the parent state. In tlie revolutionary war, tlie Delaware 
regiment was considered tlie most efficient m the conti- 
nental anny. 



CHAPTER IX. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

William Penx, tlie founder of Pennsylvania, was the 
son of sir William Penn, an admiral m tne British navy. 
In his youth he joined the Quakers, tlien an obscure and 
persecuted sect. While superintending tlie settlement of 
New Jersey, he became acquainted with an extensive 
tract of fertile, unoccupied land lying between tlie tcrri 
tories of the duke of York and lord Baltimore. At his 
solicitation, and in recompense for unrequited services 
which his father had rendered the nation, this tract was, 
in 1G81, granted to him in full property, and by the king 
called Pennsylvania. 

2. Desirous of selling his lands and founding a colony, 
he, in a public advertisement, described the country, and 
set forth tlie advantages which it offered to emigrants. 
Many persons, chiefly Quakers, were induced to purchase. 
The fee simple of the soil was sold at the rate of twenty 
pounds for every thousand acres ; and they who rented 
lands, agreed to pay one penny yearly per acre. Before the 
emigrants embarked, certain "conditions and concessions " 
were by them and the proprietor agreedupon and subscribed. 

3. In the fall, three ships, carrying settlers, mailed for 
Pennsylvania. The pious and philanthropic proprietor 
senf a letter to the Indians, informing tliem that " the 
ereat God had been pleased to make him concerned m 
uieir part of the Avorld, and that the king of the country 
where he lived, had given him a great province therein 



90 PENNSYLVANIA. 

but that he did not desire to enjoy it without their consent ; 
that he was a man of peace ; and that the people whom 
he sent were of the same disposition ; and if any differ- 
ence should happen between them, it might be adjusted 
by an equal numoer of men chosen on both sides." The 
position selected by these enuOT-ants for a settlement was 
above the confluence of tlie Delaware and the Schuylkill. 

4. In April, 1G82, Penn published a Fi-aine of Govei-n- 
merit, tlie chief object of which was declared to be " to 
support power in reverence with the people, and to securt. 
the people from the abuse of power." He published also 
a Body of Laws, which had been examined and approved 
by tlie" emigrants in England ; and which, says an eminent 
historian, " does great honor to tlieir wisdom as statesmen. 
to tlieir morals as men, and to their spirit as colonists." 
From the duke of York, he obtained the relinqiiishment 
of a tract of land, lying on the south side of the Delaware, 
a part of which was already settled, and in August, ac- 
companied by about two thousand emigrants, set sail for 
America. 

5. He landed first at New Castle, which was a part of 
the "Territories," as the land conveyed to him oy tho 
duke was called. Upon this tract he found about three 
tliousand Dutch, Swedes, and Finns. He proceeded to 
Chester, wlicre he called an assembly on the fourth of 
December. This assembly annexed the Territories to 
the province, adopted the Frame of Government, and 
enacted in form the Body of Laws. Penn also made a 
treaty with the Indians, from v/hom he purchased as much 
land as the circumstances of the colony required. He 
selected the site, and marked out tlie plan, of an extensive 
city, to which he gave tlie name of Philadelphia, or the 
city of love. Before the end of the year, it contained 
eighty houses and cottages. 

6. I'he settlement of ^none of tlie colonies commenced 
under such favorable auspices as tliat of Pennsylvania. 
The experience of half a century had disclosed the evils 
to be avoided, and pointed out the course to be pursued. 
The Indians, having been already taught to fear tlie power 
of the wnites, were the more easily conciliated by their 
kindness. The soil being fertile, the climate temperate, 
and the game abundant, me first emigrants escaped most 
of the calamities which afflicted the more northern and 
Bouthem provinces. The increase of population exceeded, 
of course, all former example. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 01 

7. In the new city, a eecond assembly was held in 
March, 1683» At the request of the freemen and delegates, 
Penn granted them a second charter, which diminished the 
number of the council and assembly, and was, in other 
respects^ different from the first Some of the regulations, 
at tliat time adopted, bear the impress of the proprietor's 
singular genius, and benevolent disposition. 

8. It was ordained **tliat, to prevent lawsuits, three 
arbitrators, to be called peace-makers, should be chosen 
by the county courts, to hear and determine small differ- 
ences between man and man : That children should be 
taught some useful trade, to the end that none mi^ht be 
idle, that the poor might work to live, and the rich if they 
should become poor ; That factors, wronging their employ- 
ers, should malie satisfaction and one third over: That 
every thing, which excites the people to rudeness, cruelty, 
and irreligion, should be discouraged and severely punished: 
That no ono^ acknowledging one God and living peaceably 
in society, should be molested for his opimons or hia 
practice, or compelled to frequent or maintain any ministry 
whatever." - 

9. These judicious regulations attracted numerous 
emigrants; and to their salutary influence must be at- 
tributed the Qualities of diligence, order, and economy, for 
which the rennsylvanians are so justly celebrated.^ 
Within four years from the date of tne grant to Penn,* 
the province contained twenty settlements, and Philadel- 
phia two thousand inhabitants. 

10. In 1684, the proprietor returned to England. He 
left his province in profound tranquillity, under tlie ad- 
ministration of five commissioners chosen from the 
council. The unfortunate James II. soon after ascended 
the throne. " As he has," said Penn, " been my friend. 
and my fatlier's friend, I feel bound in justice to be a friend 
to Mm." He adhered to him Avhile seated on the tlirone, 
and for two years after he was expelled fi-om his kingdoin, 
the government of tlie province was administered m his 
na:ne. 

11. By this display of attachment to the exiled monarch, 
he incurred the oispleasure of king William. On vague 
suspicion, and unfounded charges, ne was four times im- 
prisoned. The government of his colony was taken fi-om 
nim, and given to colonel Fletcher, the governor of New 
York, But by the severest scrutiny, it was rendered 
appaxent, that he had, in all his conduct, been actuated aa 



92 PENNSYLVANiA. 

much by the love of his countiy as by personal gratituda 
He renamed the ofood opinion of kin.^ Wilham ; and, beinff 
permitted to resume and exercise his rights, apj)ointed 
William Markham to be his deputy-governor. 

12. In 1699, he again visited Pennsylvania, and found 
tlie people discontented. They complained that his powers 
and their ri'ohts were not defined wivh snfficient precision, 
and demanded a noAv charter. In 1701, he prepared and 
presented one to the assembly, which Avas accepted. It 
gave to the assembly the right of originating bills, which, 
by the previous charters, was tlie ri^-ht of the governor 
alone, and of amending or rejecting those which might be 
laid before them. To the governor it gave the right of 
rejecting bills passed by the assembly, of appointing his 
own council, and of exercising the whole executive power. 
The Territories, now the state of Delaware, refusing to 
accept the new charter, separated from Pennsylvania, and 
w-ere allowed a distinct assembly. The same governor, 
however, presided over both. 

13. Immediately after his third charter was accepted, 
Penn returned to England, and the executive authority 
was afterwards administered by deputy-governors appointed 
by the^roprietor. The people incessantly murmured and 
complamed; but the uninterrupted and unparalleled pros- 
perity of the colony demonstrates, that but slight causes 
of complaint existed. That which produced the greatest 
and most constant irritation was the refusal, by the deputy- 
governors, to assent to any law imposing taxes on tne 
lands of the proprietors, although the sum raised was to 
be expended for the benefit of the whole province. This 
unwise, and mdced unjust, claim of exemption, occasioned 
greater disgust than injury, and embittered all the enjoy- 
ments of th^ inhabitants. 

14. But these dissensions did not in the least retard the 
prosperity of the colony. Nor did any other cause, having 
that tendency, exist. The upright conduct of Penn, in 
liis intercourse with the Indians, was imitated by those 
who came after him ; and, for seventy years, unintcn-upted 
liarmony existed between them and the whites. In tlie 
early part of the revolutionary war, the people adopted a 
new constitution, by which the proprietor was excluded 
from all share in the government. He was offered, and 
finally accepted, the sum of 570,00C aollars, in discharge 
of all quit-rents due from the inhabitants. 



93 

CHAPTER X. 

MARYLAND. 

During the rei^ of James I., the laws against Roman 
Catholics were severe and the popular hatred was inveter- 
ate. Lord Baltimore, a distinguished member of that sect, 
resolved, in consequence, to remove from EnMand to Vir- 
ginia, beiievincr that he mi^ht there enjoy Tiis religious 
opinions, Avithout violatinpf the laws or incurring reproach. 
]But the people among whom he came to reside, were al- 
most as mtolerant as those he had left, and he soon found 
it necessary to seek some other asylum. 

2. Having ascertained that the territory on both sides 
of Cliesapeake bay, was inhabited only by the natives, he 
conceived the project of planting there a colony for himself 
and for all who might wish to retire from religious persecu- 
tion. He explored the country, returned to England, ob- 
tained the assent of king Charles L to a grant of territory, 
Aut died before the requisite formalities were completed. 

3. Cecil, his eldest son, and heir to his estate and title, 
obtained for hunself the grant mtended for his father. To 
tlie new colony the name of Maryland was given, in honor 
of Henrietta Maria, the royal consort of Charles. The 
land conveyed being within the boundaries of Virginia, tho 

Planters in that province remonstrated against the grant 
^he king refusing to rescind it, lord Baltimore made 
E reparations to commence a settlement He appointed 
is brother, Leonard Calvert, governor ; who, near tlie 
close of the year l(>i% sailed for America, accompanied 
by about two hundred emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics. 

4. They arrived in February, 1634, at the mouth of the 
river Potomac. At a conference with the Indians who 
dwelt on the shore, the v purchased Yoamaco, a considerable 
village, the site of which St. Mary's now occupies. By 
this measure, wise as well as just, the rightful proprietors 
of the soil were satisfied, convenient habitations and some 
cultivated land were obtained, and the first settlers were 
of course exempted from the miseries of famine, and from 
the diseases which it produces. 

5. Other circumstances favored the rapid population of 
the colony. The charter granted more ample privileges 
than had ever been conceded to a subject ; the country 
was iDviting ; tho natives were frieodly ; ftom the soutn 



U4 MARYLAND. 

churchmen drove puritans, from tlie north puritans drove 
cliurchnien, into her borders, where all were freely received, 
protected, and ciierished, 

(). Tjie charter Granted to the inhabitants the privilerre 
of passing laws either by themselves or representatives, 
■without reserving to the crown, as had been done in all 
previous charters, the right to reject the laws so passed. 
At lirst, when the freemen were few in number, each 
Utended in person, or authorized some other froem.an, who 
\;hose to attend, to vote and act in his stead. The increase 
of population soon rendered it necessary to adopt a differ- 
ent mode of legislation. In 1(>^), an act wos passed, 
constituting a" house of assembly," to be composed of such 
as should be chosen by the people, of such as should be 
summoned or appointed by the proprietor, and of the gover- 
nor and secretary. These \vere to sit together, and the 
lows which tl)ey should enact were to possess tlie same 
validity, as though the proprietors and all the people 
had concurred in enacting them. 

7. In 1650, a second alteration was made. The legis- 
lative body was divided into two branches, the delegates 
chosen by the people constituting the loAver house, and the 
nersons summoned by the proprietors, the upper house. It 
ought to be stated, for the honor of lord Baltimore and 
nis" associates, that, while the Catholics retained the 
ascendency in the province, the assembly passed no law 
abridging the liberty of conscience. 

8. But this colony, as Avell as all the others, in the early 
period of their existence, was afflicted Avith intestine 
troubles. They were principally caused by one William 
Clayborne. While a member of the Virginia council he 
had obtained a license from the king, to tralic iii tliose. 
parts of America where no other person enjoyed the exclu- 
sive right of trade. Uwler this license, he had made a 
small settlement on tlie island of Kent, and, when the 
grant Avas made to lord Baltimore, refused to submit to his 
authority. He persuaded the natives that the "new 
comers" were Spaniards, and enemies to the Virginians. 
An Indian war was the consequence, Avhich continued 
several years, and Avas productive of considerable distress. 

9. Clayborne was indicted and convicted of murder, 
piracj/-, and sedition ; and fleeing from justice, his estate 
Avas confiscated. He applied to the king for redress, but 
after a full hearing, Avas dismissed without obtaining any 
order in his favor. When the civil Avar, betA\'een the kiui^ 



MARYLAND. 95 

and parliament, began, he embraced ihe cause of tlie latter, 
returned to Maryland, and, by Ins intrigues, fomented, in«'' 
1045, a rebellion acrainst its rulers, who were attached to 
tlie royal cause. Calveit, the governor, was compelled to 
fly to Vitginia, and the insurgents seized tlie reins of 
government. The next year, however, the revolt was 
suppressed and trariquillity restored. 

JO. But after the parliament had triumphed over tlie 
king, tliey appointed' commissioners for "reducing and 
governiufr the colonies within tlie bay of Chesapeake." 
A)nong tJiese was Clay borne, thie evil genius of Mai-yland. 
The proprietor, consenting to acknowedge the autliority 
of parliament, was permitted to retain liis station, but was 
unable to preserve tranquillity. The distractions of Eng- 
land, finding their Avay mto tlie colony, occasioned a civil 
war, which ended in tlie discomfiture of tlie governor and 
Roman Catholics. 

11. The next assembly, which was entirely under u^ 
mfluence of tlie victorious party, ordained tliat persons 
professing the Catholic rclimon should not be .cnsidered 
witliin the protection ol tlie laws. Thus were tliey 
ungratefidly persecuted by men Avhom tlioy had taken to 
tlicir bosom, and in a colony which they had founded. 
Laws unfavorable to Uie Quakers were also enacted, and 
here, as m England, tlie upper liouse was voted to be 
useless. At tiie restoration, in 1G(}0, Philip Calvert was 
appointed governor, and the ancient order of tilings restored. 
The colony tlien contained about twelve tliousand inhab- 
itants. . 

J 2. in 1G7G, died Cecil, lord Baltimore, the fatJier of 
tlie province. For more than forty years,,he had directed 
its affairs as proprietor, and displayed, in all his conduct, 
a benevolent heart and enlightened understanding-. Al- 
tliough he lived in an ao-c of bigotry, he Avas liberal in his 
oi)inions ; and for all liis exertions to contribute to tiie 
hapj)inc3s of his tellow beiu'^s, he desired no reward but 
tlieir gratitude. This rewaru ho received. The records 
of Uie Maryland assembly contain Irequent memorials of 
tlie respect and affection of the people. 1 le was succeeded, 
as proprietor, by his eldest son, Cliarles, who had, for 
several years, been governor of the colony, and disjilayed 
tlie same amiable qualities whicli had rendered his father 
respected and beloved. 

^ 13. In tiie year 1{>89, the epoch of tlie revolution in. 
England, tiic repr)se of Maryland was again disturbed. A 



96 NOirrH CAROLll^A. 

rumor was artfully circulated, that the Catholics had 
leagued with the Indians to destroy aJl tlie Protestants in 
the province. An armed association was immediately 
rbrmod, for the defence of the Protestant religion, and for 
asserting the rights of king William and queen Mary. 
The magistrates attempted to oppose by force this asso- 
ciation ; but, meeting with few supporters, were compelled 
to abdicate the goveniment. 

14. King William directed tliose who had assumed the 
bdpreme authority to exercise it in his name; and for 
twenty-seven years the crown retained the entire control 
of the province. In 17 J 6, the proprietor was restored to 
liis rights ; and he and his descendants continued to enjoy 
them until tlie commencement of the revolution. The 
people then assumed tlie government, adopted a constitu- 
tion, and refused to admit the claims of lord Baltimore to 
jurisdiction or property. 



CHAPTER XI. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

In 1630, Charles I. granted to sir Robert Heath all the 
territory between tlie 30th and 36th degrees of north 
latitude, and extending from the Atlantic ocean to tha 
South sea, by the name of Carolina. Under this grant, no 
settlement was made. Between 1640 and 1650, persona 
euftering from religious intolerance in Virginia, fled oeyond 
her limits, and, without license from airy source, occupied 
that portion of North Carolina, north of Albemarle sound. 
I'hey found the winters mild and the soil fertile. As their 
cattle and swine procured their own support in the woods 
and multiplied fast, they were enablea, with little labor, 
to live in the enjoyment of abundance. Their number 
was annually au^^mented ; they acknowledged no superior 
upon eartli, and obeyed no laws but those of God and nature. 

2. In 1661, another settlement was made, near the 
mouth of Clarendon river, bv adventurers from Massachu- 
setts. The land being sterile and the Indians hostile, they, 
in 1663, abandoned it Immediately aftenvards, tlicir 
place was supplied by emigrants from Barbadoes, who in- 
vested sur John Yeomans with the authority of governor. 

3. Sir Robert Heath having neglected to comply witii 



. NORTH CAROLINA. 97 

the conditions of liis patent, the king, in 1663, panted 
the same territory to lord Clarendon and seven others, 
and invested them witli ample powers of government over 
those who should inhabit it. To encom-a^e emigration, 
they gave public assurances, that all who might remove to 
Uieir territory, should enjoy unrestricted religious liberty, 
and be governed by a free assembly. The settlers on 
Albemarle sound were, on certain conditions, allowed to 
retain their lands. A government over tliem was organized, 
at the head of which a Mr. Drummond was pkced. With 
the regulations imposed, they were dissatisfied, and re- 
volted ; but their grievances were redressed, and, in 1668, 
they returned to meir duty. 

4. At the request of the proprietors, the celebrated 
John Locke, whose political writings were tlien much 
read and admired, prepared for the colony a constitution 
of government. It provided that a chief officer, to be 
called the palatine, and to hold his office during hfe, should 
be elected from among tlie proprietors ; that a hereditary 
nobility, to be called landgraves and caziques, should be 
created; and that, once in two years, representatives 
should be chosen by the freeholders. All these, wjth the 
proprietors or their deputies, were to meet in one assembly, 
which was to be called the parliament, and over which 
the palatine was to preside. The parliament could de- 
liberate and decide only upon such proportions as should 
be laid before it by a grand council composed of the 
palatme, nobility, and deputies of the proprietors. 

5. TMs constitution, however wise it might seem to 
English politicians, was not, adapted to the sentiments 
and habits of the people for whom it was prepared. Its 
aristocratic features displeased them. The measures 
adopted to introduce and enforce it, produced, in connection 
with other causes, an insurrection, in the progress ot 
which the palatine and the deputies were seized and 
imprisoned. Apphcation was made to Virginia for as- 
BJetance in restoring order; but the fear oi punishment 
induced the insurgents to submit, before an armed force 
could be arrayed against them. 

6. In 1670, William Sayle, under the direction of the 
proprietors, made a settlement at Port Royal, within the 
limits of South CaroUna. The next year, dissatisfied with 
this station, he removed his colony northward, to a neck 
of land between Ashley and Cooper rivers, where he laid 
out a town, which, in honor of the king then reigning' 

9 



98 NORTH CAROLINA. 

he called Chai-leston. Dyincf soon after, sir John Yco- 
nians, who had, for several years, been governor at 
Clarendon, was apponited to succeed hiui. This new 
settlement attracted at first many inliabitants from that at 
Clarendon, and at leni'^th entirely exliansted it. Being 
remote ti-om Albemarle, the proprietors estahlished a 
separate government over it, and hence arose tlie distinc- 
tive appellations of North and Soutli Carolina. 

7. The prosperity of tlie northern colony was retarded 
3y domestic dissensions. To allay them, Seth Sothel, 
one of the proprietors, .was appointed chief magistj-ate. 
His conduct, far from restoring quiet and contentment, 
increased the disorders wliich had before prevailed. He 
is represented as tlie most corrupt and rapacious of 
colonial governors. He plundered the innocent and re- 
ceived bnbes from felons. For six years, the inhabitants 
endured his injustice and oppression. Thej^ tlien seized 
him, witii a view of sending him to England for trial. At 
his request, he was detained and tried by tlie assembly, 
who banished him from tlie colony. 

8. His successor was Philip Ludwell, of Virginia, and 
to him succeeded .John Archdale, who was a Quaker a.n<L 
one of tlie proprietors. Both were popular governors 
under their administration, the colony prospered and the 
people were happy. In 1()93, at the request of the Caro- 
linians, the constitution of Locke was abrogated by tiie 
proprietors, and each colony was afterwards ruled by a 
governor, council, and house of representatives. 

9. In 1707, a company of French Protestants araved 
and seated themselves on the river Trent, a branch of the 
Neuse ; in 1710, a large number of Palatines, fleeing from 
religious persecution in Gennany, sought refuge in the 
same part of the province. To each of these, the pro- 
prietors granted one liundred acres of land. They lived 
nappy, ibr a iew years, in tlie enjoyment of liberty of 
conscience, and in the prospect of competence and ease. 

10. But suddenly a terrible calamity fell upon them. 
The Tuscarora bnd Coree Indians, smarting under i-^cent 
injuries, and dreading total extinction trom the encroach- 
ment of these strangers, plotted, with characteristic 
secrecy, tlieir entire destruction. Sending their families 
to one of tlieir fortified towns, twelve hundred bowmen 
sallied forth, and in the same night, attacked, in separate 
parties, the nearest settlements of the Palatines. Men, 
wom,'?n, and children v>nrc indiscriminately butchered. 



NORTH CAROLINA. 99 

Tbfi savages, Avith the swiftness and ferocity of wolves 
ran from village to village Before them, was the repose 
of innocence; behind, the sleep of death. A few, escaping 
alarmed the settlements more remote, and hastened to 
South Carolina for assistance. 

11. Governor Craven immediately despatched, to the 
aid of the sister colony, nearly a thousand men, nnder the 
command of colonel Barnwell. After a fatiguing march 
through a hideous Avilderness, they met the enemy, at- 
taclied, defeated, and pursued them to their fortified town, 
which was hnmediateiy besieged. In a few days, peace, 
at their solicitation, was concluded, and colonel BarnAvell 
returned to Soutli Carolina. 

J 2. The peace was short, and upon the recommence- 
ment of hostilities, assistance was ao-ain solicited from the 
southern colony. Colonel James Moore, an active young 
officer, was immediately despatched, with forty white 
men and eight hundred friendly Indians. He found the 
enemy in a fort near Cotechny river. After a siege, Avhich 
continued more than a week, the fort was taken and eight 
hundred Indians made prisoners. The Tuscaroras, dis- 
leartened by this defeat, migrated, in 1713, to the north, 
and joined the celebrated confederacy, denominated the 
Five Nations. The others sued for peace, and afterwards 
continued friendly. 

13. Until 1729, the two Carolinas, though distinct for 
many purposes, remained under the superintendence and 
control of the same proprietors. Neither had been pros- 
perous ; and the interests of the governors and governed 
being apparently adverse to each other, the latter became 
discontented and refractory. Thev complained to tlie 
kmg, who directed inquiry to be made in.his courts. The 
charter which he had granted was declared forfeited, and 
oyer each colony, royal governments, entirely unconnected 
with each other, were established. 

14. Soon after this event, the soil in tlie interior of 
North Carolina was found to be superior in fertility to 

' tliat on tlie sea-coast. The settlements, consequently, 
advanced rapidly into the wilderness. From the northern 
colonies, particularly Pennsylvania, multitudes were al- 
lured to this region by the mildness of tlie climate, and by 
the facility of obtaining in abundance all the necessaries 
of life. At peace with the Indians, and fortunate in her 
governors, the colony continued to prosper until the com- 
mencement of the troubles which preceded the revolution. 



CHAPTER Xn. 

SOUTH CAROLINA, 

This coiony, and that of North Carolina, were, as has al- 
ready been stated, included in the same charter. In 1G70, 
governor Sayle made, at Port Royal, the first permanent 
settlement within its limits. The next year, he founded 
Old Charleston, on the banks of the nver Ashley, In 
If584, ail the freemen, meeting- at this place, elected repre- 
sentatives to sit in the colonial parliament, accordincr to 
tJie provisions of the constitution prepared by Mr. Locke. 

2. Several circumstances contiibuted to promote the 
settlement of this colony. The conquest of New York in- 
duced many of the Dutch to resort to it From England, 
puritans came to avoid the profanity and licentiousness 
which disgraced the court of Cliarles II. ; and cavaliers to 
retrieve theu^ fortunes, exhausted b^ tlie civil wars. The 
arbitrary measures of Louis XI\. drove many French 
Protestants into exUe, some of whom crossed the Atlantic 
and settled in Carolina. Many of tliese exiles were rich ; 
all were industrious, and by their exemplary demeanor 
gained the good will of the proprietors. 

3. The situation of Charleston being found inconve- 
nient, the inhabitants, in 1680, removed to Oyster Poini, 
where a new city was laid out, to which the name of the 
other was given. In the same year, commenced a war with 
the Westoes, a powerful tribe of Indians, which threaten- 
ed great injury to tlie colony. Peace, however, was soon 
restored. In 1690, Seth Sothel, one of the proprietors, 
having, for corrupt conduct, been driven from North Car- 
olina, appeared suddenly at Charleston, and, aided by a 
powerful faction, assumed tlie reins of government. Two 
years afterwards he was->removed from office. 

4. The proprietors, havin^r observed the good conduct 
of tlie French Protestants, thrected the governor to permit 
them to elect representatives, a privilege which they had 
never yet exercised. The English Episcopalians, unwill- 
ing tliat any of their hereilitary enemies, who did not be- 
long to their church, should be associated with themselves 
in me enjoyment of the rights of freemen, wore exaspor 
ated, and opposed the concession with great clamor and 
zeal. They even went further. Warmed by opposition, 
they DroDosed to enforce, witli respect to them, uiq laws 



gOtJTH CAROLINA. 101 

of Eno-Jand against foreigners, insisting tliat they could 
not legally possess real estate in the colony. Thev also 
declared that their marriages, being solemnized by French 
ministers, were void, and that tiie children could not in- 
herit the property of their fathers. By the display of a 
spirit so illiberal and unciiristian, these strangers were 
alarmed and discouraged. They knew not for whom Uiey 
labored. But, countenanced by the governor, they re- 
mained in the xiolony, and, for tne present, withdrew tlieir 
claim to the right of suffrage. 

5. Yet the ferment did not subside on the removal of 
the cause which produced it. Such was the general 
turbulence and disorder, the people complaining of their 
rulers and quarrelling among themselves, that, m 1G95, 
John Archdale was sent over, as governor of both Caro- 
Imas, and invested with full power to redress all griev- 
ances. He succeeded in restoring order, but found the 
antipathy against the unfortunate exiles too gTeat to be 
encountered, with any hope ol' success, until softened by 
time and their amiable deportment. These produced the 
eff*ects which he anticipated. In a few years, tlie French 
protestants were admitted, by the general assembly, to all 
the rights of citizens and freemen." ■ 

(). Although the proprietors, by the regulations which 
were in force before the constitution of LocKe was adopted, 
and which were restored upon its abrogation, had stipu- 
lated, that liberty of conscience should be universally 
enjoyed, yet one of them, lord Granville, a bigoted 
churchman, and James Moore, the governor, resolved to 
effect, if possible, the estabhshment, in tbe colony, of 
the episcopal relig-ion. They knew that a mnjority of 
the people were dissenters, and that by art and intrigue 
only could tlieir design be accomphshed. The governor, 
who was avaricious and venal, became the tool of Gran- 
ville. He interfered in the elections, and, by bribing the 
voters, succeeded in procurino^ a majority in the assembly 
who v/ould be subservient to his wishes. 

7. A law was passed, establishing the episcopal religion, 
and excluding dissenters from a seat in the assembly. It 
was laid before the proprietors, ^vitliout whose sanction it 
could not possess permanent validity. Archdale, Avho had 
returned to England, opposed it with ability and spirit 
He insisted that good faith, pohcy, interest, even piety, 
concurred to dictate its rejection. But lord Granville de- 
clared himself in favor of it, and it received confirmation. 
9* 



JOa eOUTH CAROUNA. 

8. The dissenters saw themselves at once deprived of 
those privileges for which they had abandoned their native 
country, andencountered the dangers and hardships of 
the ocean and a wilderness. Some prepared to leave the 
colony and settle in Pennsylvania. Others proposed that 
a remonstrance against the law should first be presented 
to the house of lords, and this measure was adopted. The 
lords expressed by a vote their disapprcbation of the law, 
and upon tlieir solicitation, queen Anne declared it void. 
Soon after, lord Granville died, and the colonv, controlled 
by more liberal councils, again enjoyed the blessings of 
domestic quiet. 

9. In 1/02, war then existing betAveen England and 
Spain, governor Moore, thirsting for Spanish plunder, led 
an expedition against St. Augustine. It was badly planned, 
worse executed, and failed. Returning from defeat abroad, 
he met, at home, the reproaches of his people. To silence 
these, he marched, at the head of a body of troops, against 
the Apalachian Indians, who had become insolent and 
hostile. In this expedition he was successful, taking many 
prisoners, and laying their towns in ashes. By his victories 
over the savages, he retrieved his character; and, by 
Gelling tlie prisoners as slaves, obtained, what he most 
coveted, considerable personal omolument. 

10. In 1706, tlie Spaniards, from Florida, invaded 
Carolina. The governor, Nathaniel Johnson, having re- 
ceived intimation of tlieir approach, erected fortificationa 
and made arrangements to obtain, on sliort warning, tJie 
assistance of the militia. When the enemy's fleet ap- 
peared before Charleston, the whole strength of tlie colony 
was summoned to defend it A force so formidable ensured 
its safety. After burning a few detaclied buildings, the 
enemy retired without mflicting other injury. One of 
their ships, having ninety men on board, was captured bj 
tlie Carolinians. 

11. In 1715, after several years of profound peace, an 
Indian war broke out. All the tribes, from Fiorina to cape 
Fear, had been long engaged in a conspiracy to extirpate 
the whites. In the morning of the 15th of April, the first 
I3I0W was struck. At Pocataligo, and the settlements 
around Port Royal, ninety persons were massacred. The 
inhabitants of the latter place escaped, by embarking 
precipitately on board a vessel, which was then in the 
harbor, and sailing directly to Charleston. 

12. This massacre was perpetrated by the southern 



eOUTH CAROLINA, H» 

Indians, The northern, at the same time, attackec th« 
settlements near them. Many of the inhabitants wer« 
killed, and many fled to Charleston. At a plantation on 
Goose creek, seventy whites and forty faitfiful negroes, 
bein^ protected by a breast- work, determined to maintain 
tlieir post On tlie first attack, tlicir courage failed, and 
they agreed to surrender. The instant they were in the 
power of the enemy, all were barbarously murdered. 

13. Governor Craven, at the head of twelve hundred 
men, marched against the savages. He discovered in tlie 
wilderness several small parties, who fled before him. At 
Saltcatchers, he found them all assembled, and there an 
obstinate and bloody battle was fought. The whites were 
victorious, driving tiie enemy before them, and conipellinj 
tliem to leave the province. Most of them fled to Florida, 
wliere they were received, in the most friendly manner, bjr 
the S})aniards. 

14. In this short war, four hundred whites were killed, 
oroperty of great value destroyed, and a lar^e debt con- 
tracted. The proprietors, tiiougn earnestly solicited, refus- 
ed to afford any relief, or to pay any portion of the debt 
The assembly determined to remunerate the colony, by 
disposing of the land from which the Indians had beea 
driven. The terms offered were so favorable, that five 
hundred Irishmen immediately came over, and planted 
Jiemselves on the frontiers. 

15. The proprietors, refusing to sanction the proceedings 
!>f the assembly, deprived tiiese emigrants of their lands. 
Some, reduced to extreme poverty, perished from want; 
others resorted to the northern colonies. A strong barrier 
oetween the old settlements and the savages, was thus 
removed, and tlie country again exposed to their incur- 
sions. The people were exasperated, and longed for a 
i;hange of masters. 

16. The corrupt and oppressive conduct of Trott, the 
chief-justice, and Rhett, the receiver-general, increased 
tlie discontent. Of the former, the governor and council 
complained to the proprietors, and solicited his recall. 
Instead of removing him, they thanked him for his 
services, and removed the governor and council. With 
the governor next appointed, though a man generally 
beloved, the assembly refused to have any concern or 
intercourse. They d:rew up articles of impeachment 
against Trott, accusing him of corruption and gross mis- 



104 SOUTH CAROJ.INA. 

conduct, and sent an agent to England, to maintani tlieir 
accusation before the proprietors. He was, nevertheless, 
continued in office. 

17. The patience of the people was exhausted, and 
they waited only for a favorable opportunit}' to throw off 
their oppressive yoke. In 1719, at a general review of 
the militia at Charleston, occasioned by a threatened inva- 
sion of the colony, from Florida, the officers and soldiers 
bound themselves, by a solemn compact, to support each 
other in resisting the tyranny of the proprietors ; and the 
assembly, which was then in session, requested the 
governor, by a respectful address, to consent to administer 
tlie government in the name of the king. 

18. Ho refused, and by proclamation, dissolved the as- 
sembly. The members immediately met as a convention, 
and elected colonel James Moore tlieir governor. He was 
a hold man, and exceedingly well qualified for a popular 
leader, in a turbulent season. He accepted the appoint- 
ment, and, assisted by tlic convention, and supported by 
the people, administered the affairs of tlie colony.'' 

19. The conduct of the proprietors and people was 
Drought before his majesty in council. Afler a full hearing, 
it Avas decided, that both colonies should be taken under 
the protection of tiie crown. Several years afterwards, 
seven of the proprietors S(^ld to the king their claim to 
the soil and rents, and all assigned to him their ri^ht of 
jurisdiction. The government was subsequently acnninis- 
tered by executive officers, appointed by the crown, and 
by assemblies, chosen by the people, and under tlieir 
control the colony prospered. 

'^0. In 1738, occurred an alarming insurrection of the 
negroes. A number of them, assembled at Stono, surprised 
and killed two men who had charge of a warehouse, from 
wdiich they took guns and ammunition. They then chose 
a captain, and, with drums beating and colors frying, 
marched southwestward. They burned every house on 
tlieir way, killed all the whites they could find, and com- 
pelled other negroes to join them. 

21. Governor Bull, who was returning to Charleston, 
from the southward, accidentally met them, hastened out 
of their way, and spread an alarm. The news soon reached 
Wiltown, where, fortunately, a large congregation were 
attending divine service. The men, having, according to 
a law ot the province, brought their arms to tlie place 



GEORGIA. 105 

of worship, marched instantly in quest of the ne^oee. 
who, by this time, had become formidable, and spread 
terror and desolation around them. 

22. While, in an open field, they were carousing and 
dancing-, with frantic exultation at their late success, they 
were suddenly attaoked by the whites. Some were 
killed, the remainder fled. Most of the fugitives were 
taken and tried. They who had been compelled to join . 
the conspirators, were pardoned ; but all the leaders and 
first insurgents suffered death. About twenty whites 
were murdered. 

23. From this period until the era of tlie revolution, no 
miportant event occurred in the colony. It was sometimes 
distressed by Indian wars ; but the number of inhabitants, 
and the means of subsistence and comfort, were constantly 
increasing. Emio-rants came principally from the northern 
tolonies ; but often large bodies of protestants arrived 
from Europe; in one year, 1752, the number who camo 
exceeded sixteen hundred. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

GEORGIA. 

Upon the southern part of the territory included in the 
Carolina charter, no settlement was made, until several 
years after that charter was forfeited. In June, 1732, 
several benevolent gentlemen, in England, concerted a 
project for planting; a colony in that unoccupied region. 
Their principal object was to relieve, by transporting 
thither, the indigent subjects of Great Britain; but their 
plan of benevolence embraced also tlie persecuted protes- 
tants of all nations. 

2, To a project springing from motives so noble and 
disinterested, the people and the government extended 
their encouragement and patronage. A patent wrjs granted 
by the king, conveying to twenty-one trustees the territory 
now constituting the state of Georgia, wliich was to be 
apportioned gratuitously among the settlers ; and liberal 
donations were made by the charitable, to defray the 
expense of transporting them across the Atlantic, and of 
providing for their support tlie first season. 

3. The concerns of Uie colony were managed by tho 



H)R GEORGIA. 

trustees, Avho freely devoted much of their time to the 
undertakiug-. Amon^ other reg-ulations, they provided, 
that the lands should not he sold nor devised by the own- 
ers, but should descend to the male children only ; they 
forbade the use of rum in the colony, and strictly prohib- 
ited the importation of nesfroes. But none of these reg- 
ulations remained lonsr in force. 

4. In November, l7lV2, one hundred and thirteen emi- 
^T.'ints embarked for Georgia, at the head of whom the 
U-iTstees had placed James Oglethorpe, a zealous and ac- 
tive promoter of this scheme of benevolence. In Janu- 
arv, they arrived at Charleston ; and the Carolinians, 
sensible of the advantage of having a barrier between 
theni and the Indians, gave the adventurers a cordial wel- 
come. They supplied them with provisions, and with 
boats to convey them to the place of their destination. 
Vamacraw bluff, since called Savannah, was selected as 
the most eligible place for a settlement. 

.5. The next year, five or six hundred poor persons ar- 
rived, and to each a portion of the wilderness was as- 
signed." But it was soon found that these emigrants, 
who were the refuse of cities, had been rendered poor by 
idleness, and irresolute by poverty, were not fitted to fell 
the mighty groves of Georgia. A race more hardy and 
enterprising was necessary. The trustees, therefore, of- 
fered to receive, also, such as had not, by persecution or 
poverty, been rendered objects of compassion, and to ^rant 
ro all, who should settle in the colony, fitly acres of land. 
In consequence of this offer, more than four hundred per- 
sons, from (xermanv, Scotland, and Switzerland, arrived 
in the year 1735.* The Germans settled at Ebenezer, 
the Scotch at New Inverness, now Darien. 

6. \n 178(), John Wesley, a celebrated methodist, made 
a visit to Georgia, for the purpose of preaching to tlie col- 
onists, and converting the Indians. He was then young 
and ardent; the people around him felt less ardor than 
himself, and his pious zeal soon brought him into collis- 
ion with some of the principal settlers. He was accus- 
ed of diverting the people from their labor to attend his 
religious meetings, and of exercising unwarranted eccle- 
siastical authority. Persecuted by his enemies, and find- 
ing he could render no further service to the cause of re- 
ligion in the colony, he returned to England, and there, 
ftfr many years, pursued a distinguished career of piety 
and usefulness. 

7. Two vears afterwards, George Whitfield, anothet 



GEOHGIA. 107 

and more celebrated Methodist, arrived in the colony 
He had already made himself conspicuous in England, by 
his numerous eccentricities, his ardent piety, his extraor- 
dinary eloquence, his zeal and activity in propag'ating his 
opinions. He came to Georgia for the benevolent purpose 
of establishing an orphan house, whore poor children might 
be fed, clothed, and educated in the knowledge of Chris 
tianity. In prosecution of this purpose, he often crossed 
the Atlantic, and traversed Gr^at Britain and America, 
soliciting aid from the pious and charitable. Wherever 
he went, he preached, with sincerity and fervor, his peculiar 
doctrines, making proselytes of most who heard him, and 
founding a sect whicli nas since become numerous and 
respectable. His orphan house, during his life, did not 
flourish, and after his death, Avas entirely abandonefl^ 

8. In 1740, the trustees rendered an account of their 
administration. At that time, two thousand four hundred 
and ninety-eight emigrants had arrived in the colony. Of 
these, fifleen bun bed and twenty-one were indigent Eng- 
lishmen, or persecuted Protestants. Tlie benefactions, 
from government «ind from individuals, had boon nearly 
half a million of dollars; and it was computed that, for 
every person transported and maintained by the trustees, 
more tiian three hundred dollars had been expended. 

9. The hope which the trustees had cherished, that the 
colony, planted at such vast expense, would be prosperous, 
and the objects of rJieir benevolence happy, were com- 
pletely disappointed. Such was the character of the 
frreater part of the settlers, and such the restrictions 
imposed, that the plantations lano-uished and continued to 
require the contributions of the charitable. 

10. War having been declared against Spain, Mr. Ogle^ 
thorpe was promoted to the rank or general in the British 
anny, and at the head of two thousand men, partly from 
Virginia and the Carolinas, undertook an expedition against 
Florida. He took two Spanish forts and besieged St. 
Augustine ; but encountermg an obstinate resistance, was 
compelled to return unsuccessful to Georgia. '*'" 

11. Two years aflerwards, the Spaniards, in retaliation, 
prepared to invade Georgia ; and they intended, if success- 
ful there, to subjugate the Carolinas and Virginia. 6n 
receiving information of their approach, general Oglethorpe 
sohcited assistance from South Carolina. But the inliab- 
itants of that colony, entertaining a strong prejudice against 
Iiiuijin consequence of his late defeat, and tcrrifiod by tha 



im GEORGIA. 

danger which threatened themselves, determined to pro- 
vide only for their own' safety. 

V2. Meanwhile general Oglethorpe made preparations 
for a vigorous defence. He assembled seven hundred 
men exclusive of a body of Indians, fixed his head quar- 
ters at Frederica, on the isknd of St. Simon, and, with thia 
small band, detennined tc;, Encounter whatever force mif^ht 
be brouo^ht ag'ainst him. . It was his utmost hope that he 
miorht be able to resist the enemy until a reinforcement 
should arrive from Carolina, which he daily and anxiously 
expected. 

13. On the last of June, the Spanish fleet, consisting of 
thirty-two sail, and havini^ on board more than three 
thousand men, came to anchor off St. Simon's bar. Not- 
withstanding all the resistance which general Oglethorpe 
could oppose, they sailed up the river Alatamaha, landed 
upon the island, and there erected fortifications. 

14. General Oglethorpe, convinced that his small force, 
if divided, must be entirely inefficient, assembled the 
whole of it at Frederica. One portion he employed in 
strengthening his fortifications ; the Highlanders and 
Indians, rangmg night and day through the woods, often 
attacked the out-posta of the enemy. The toil of the 
troops was incessant; and the lono- delay of the expected 
euccors, so cruelly withlield by South Carolina, caused 
the most gloomy and depressing apprehensions. 

15. Learning that the Spanish army occupied two 
distmct positions, Oglethorpe conceived the project of 
attacking one by surprise. He selected the bravest of his 
little army, and in the night marched, entirely unobserved, 
to within two miles of the camp which he intended to assail. 
Directing his troops to halt, he advanced, at the head of a 
fimall body, to reconnoitre the enemy. While thus em- 
ployed, a French soldier of his party, firing his musket, 
deserted to the Spaniards. Discovery destroying all hope 
of success, the general immediately returned to I rcderica. 
He was not only chagrined at this occurrence, but appre- 
hended instant danger from tne disclosure which the 
deserter would doubtless make of his weakness. 

16. In this embarrassment, he devised an expedient 
which was attended with the most happy success. He 
wrote a letter to the deserter, instructing him to acquaint 
the Spaniards with the defenceless state of Frederica; to 
urge them to attack the place, and if he could not succeed, 
to persuade them to remain three days longer on the island , 



GEORGIA. lOa 

for withm that time, according to late advices from Caro- 
lina, he should receive a reinforcement of two thousand 
men and six ships of war. He cautioned him ajrainst 
dropping any hint of the attack, meditated by admiral 
Vernon, upon St. Aagustine, and assured him that the 
reward for his services should be ample. 

17. For a small bribe, a soldier who had been made 
prisoner in one of the numerous t rcixmisiies, eiiL^'ag'ed to 
doHver this letter to the deserter, and was th<Mi set at 
liberty. Ae was foreseen, he carried it directly to the 
Spanfsh general, who immediately suspected the deserter 
to be a spy from the English c: mp, and ordered lum to 
be put in irons. But although s suspicions were awa- 
l^encd, he was yet uncertain whether tiie Avhole might not 
be a stratagem of his antagonist. 

1 8. Wiiile hesitatin fT what to believe, three small vessels 
of war appeared otf the coast. Supposing they brought 
the reinforcements alluded to in the letter to the deserter, 
he hesitated no longer, but determined to niako a vigorous 
attack upon the t^nghsh, before these reinforcementa 
could arrive and be brought into action. 

J 9. General Oglethorpe, by mere accident, obtninea 
information of their design. A small party was instantly 

E laced in ambuscade; the Spaniards advanced near them, 
alted to rest, and laid asiue their arms. A sudden and 
well directed fire, killing many, threw the enemy into 
confusion. After a few more discliarges, they fled to their 
fortifications, which they demolisiied, and, hastily em- 
barking, made evfjry possible effort to escape from the 
reinforcements that were supposed to be approaching. 

20. Thus was Georgia, v/ith trifling loss, delivered from 
the most imminent dang-er. General Oglethorpe not only 
retrieved, but exalted his reputation. From the Carolini- 
ans, grateful for their preservation, and from the governors 
of most of the northern colonies, he received cordial con- 
gratulations upon his address and good fortune. And so 
mortified were the Spaniards at the result of the expedition, 
tliat the commander, on his return, was arrested, tried, and 
cashiered for misconduct 

21. But the prosperity of the colony was retarded by 
these disturbances. For ten years ku\irer, it remained 
under the management of the trustees, who, ernbarra.-.s:nff 
it by too much regulation, discouraged the einiorants and 
checked its growth. At length, \lisappointcd in their 
hopes, and wearied by complaints, they surrendered their 



no FRENCH WAR OF 1754-63. [1754. 

charter to the crown ; and, in 1754, a royal government 
was established over the colony. 

22. Now refrulations being' adopted, Georg-ia beg-an to 
flourish. Among her governors, James Wri»'ht deserves 
honorable notice for his wisdom in discerning, and his 
ze<il in pursuing, lier true interests. The cultivation of 
rice and indigo was prosecuted with augmented industry, 
skill, and profit ; and in every succeeding year, an increased 
amount of these staple commodities was exported to the 
mother country. The Florida Indians were sometimes 
troublesome, but Avcre as often chastised and compelled 
to sue for peace. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
FRENCH WAR OF 1754—63. 

The treaty of Aix la Chapelle concluded in 1748, between 
England and France, restored tranquillity to America. At 
this period, the number of inhabitants in the thirteen 
colonies was about one million one hundred thousand. 
The English settlements had not advanced far into the 
wilderness, but extended along the ocean from New- 
foundland to Florida. Those of the French, at the north 
reached from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to Montreal ; 
and they had built forts and trading housas on lake On- 
tario. At the south, they had planted New Orleans, and 
having discovered the river Mississippi, they claimed the 
fertile and delightful valley through "which it runs, and 
the whole country watered by its tributary streams. 

S. They at length determined to connect their northern 
and southern settlements by a chain of posts extending 
along the- frontiers of the English, from lake Ontario to 
the Ohio, and down that river and the Mississippi to New 
Orleans. While they were intent on this project, a com- 
pany of English traders, having obtained from tlie king a 
grant of land, established trading houses on the banks of 
Sie Ohio. 

3. The French seized some of these traders, and con- 
veyed them prisoners to Canada. The company complained 
to governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia. The land having been 
granted as a part of tliat colony, he determined to send a 
messenger to the commancler of the French forces on the 



1754.} FRENCH WAR OF 17S4-I3. IJl 

Ohio, and require him to withdraw his troops. For this 
mission he selected Georj^e Washinfrton, who was then 
twenty-one years of Kge, and who afterwards became 
ilhistnous in the annals of his country. 

4. To the letter of Dinwiddie, the French commander 
replied, that he had taken possession of the country in 
pursuance of directions from his general, then in Canada, 
to whom he would transmit the Tetter, and whose orderEf 
he should implicitly obey. This reply not being satisfactory 
to the governor, preparations were made in Virginia, to 
maintain by force the rigFxs of the British crown. Troops, 
constituting a regiment, were raised, the command of 
whom, on "the death of the colonel first appointed, was 
given to Mr. Washington. 

5. At the head of about four hundred men, he advanced, 
early in the spring, int ) the territory in dispute. On his 
route, he met, attacked, and defeated, a French party 
under the command of one Dijonville, who approached him 
in a manner indicating hostile intentions. He proceeded 
towards fort Du Q,uesne, situated at the junction of the 
Alleghany and Mouon^ahela. From this fort, De Villier, 
at the head of nine hun(Ired men, marched out to attack him. 

6. Hearing of the approach of this party, colonel 
Washington halted, and hastily erected some imperfect 
works, by means of which he hoped to prolong his defence 
until the arrival of reinforcements. He Nvas closely 
besieged bv De Villier, but making an obstinate defence, 
was offered the most lionorable terms of capitulation. 
These he accepted, and returned witli his regiment to 
Virginia. 

7. In this year, delegates from seven of the colonies 
met at Albany, for the purpose of holding a conference 
with the Six Nations of Indians. This business being 
finished, a confederation of the colonies was proposed by 
the delegates from Massachusetts. A "Plan of Union" 
was agreed upon, to bo submitted to the colonial legisla- 
tures, and to parliament, for their adoption. 

8. This plan provided that delegates to a General 
Council should be chosen by the representatives of the 
people, in the colonial assemblies, and that a president- 
general should be appointed by the crown. This council 
was to possess the control of the military force of the 
confederacy, and the power to concert all measures for the 
common protection and safety. The president-general waa 
to liave a negative upon the proceedings of the delegates 



112 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-63. [175i 

0. This plan was rejected by parliament, because the 
dclei::atos were to be chosen by the representatives of the 
people. It was rejected by the'colonies, because it placeil 
too much power in the hands of the king-. In Eno-land, 
apprehensions were already entertained of tlie gn wing 
impoitance of the colonial assemblies. In America, the 
people besfan, perhaps unconsciously, to be actuated by 
the spirit of independence. 

10. The conduct of the French, on the Ohio, convinced 
the cabinet of London that their claim to the country, 
tlironuh v/hich that river flows, must be relinquished, or 
mrjntained by the sv/ord. They did not hesitate which 
akevnative to choose. Early in the spring' of 1755, they 
despatched general Braddock to America, with a respecta- 
ble force, to expel the French, and keep pcx^session of tiie 
territory. And preparations havin.r been made by France 
to despatch a reinforcement to her armies in Canada, 
adiviiral Boscawen was ordered to endeavor to intercept 
.he French fleet before it should enter the gulf of St. 

11. In April, general Braddock met the governors of 
the several provincei», to confer upon the plan of the 
ensiling campaign. Three expeditions were resolved upon : 
one aiiainst I^a Qaesne, to ba commanded by general 
Brnddock ; one against forts Niagara and Frontlnac, to be 
cointnanded by governor Shirley ; and one against CroAvii 
Point, to be commanded by general Johnson. The last 
metitioncd post was the nearest to Ne"w England of any 
ill the possession of tlie enemy ; and from it almost all the 
Indion parties, which had, in the late wars, so cruelly 
hartissed the northern colonies, were despatched and sup- 
ported. The expedition against it was proposed and urged 
by Massachusetts, and was to be executed by colonial 
troops, raised in New England and New York. 

I'i. While preparations were ^r^aking for these expedi- 
tions, another, v/hich had been previously concerted, was 
carried on against the French forces in Nova Scotia. 
Tliis province was settled by the French, but was ceded 
to the English by the treaty of Utrecht. Its boundaries 
not having been defined, the French continued to occupy 
a portion of the territory claimed by the English, and had 
built forts for tlieir defence. To gain possession of these 
was the object of the expedition. 

1:3. About two thousand militia, commanded by colonel 
Winslow, embarked at Boston ; and being joined oa tkeu 



1755.] i'llENCII WAR OF 1754-()3. 113 

passaj^e by thre^; hundred regulars, arrived, in April, at 
the place of destniation. The forts were invested ; the 
resistance made was trifling- and ineflectnal ; and in a short 
time the English gamed entire possession of the province, 
according to their own definition of its boundaries. Three 
only of their men were killed. 

14. The nreparations of general Braddock, in Virginia, 
na<i proceeded slowly. It had been found extremely dif- 
ficult to procure horses, wagons, and provisions. Impa- 
tient of delay, he determined to set out with twelve 
lumdred men, selected from the different corps, and to 
pi-oceed, as rapidly as possible, towards fort Du Quesne. 
The residue of the amiy, and the heavy baggage, were left 
imder the command of colonel Dunba^r, who was directed 
tofMlow as soon as the preparations were completed. 
" 15. Braddock had been educated in the English army; 
and in the science of war, as then taught in l^nrope, he 
deserved and enjoyed the reputation of more than ordinary 
Bkill. Of this reputati(tn he was vam, and disdained to 
consider that his skiil was totally inapplicable to the mode 
of warfire practised in the forests of America. Before he 
left England, he was repeatedly admonished to beware of 
a surprise ; and on his march through the wilderness, the 
provincial officers frequently entreated him to scour the sur- 
rounding thickets. But he held these officers and the ene- 
my in too much contempt to listen to this salutary counsel. 

16. On approaching fort Du Quesne, colonel Washing- 
ton, who accompanied him as his aid, made a last attempt 
to induce hun to change his order of march. _ He explained 
the Indian mode of warfare; represented his danger; and 
offered to take command of the provincials and place him- 
self in advance of the army. This offer was declined. 
The general proceeded, confident of tlie propriety of his 
conduct ; tlie provincials followed, trembling for tlie con- 
sequences. 

17. On the ninth of July, the arrriy crossed the Monon- 
gahela, within a few miles of Du Quesne. Their rojiite 
led through a defile, which they had nearly passed, when 
a tremendous yell and instantaneous discharge of fire arms 
suddenly burst upon them from an invisible foe. The van 
was thrown into confusion. The general led the main 
body to its support. For a moment, order was restored, 
and a short cessation of tiie Enemy's fire, occasioned by 
tlie death of tlieir commander, seemed to indicate that all 
damrt^ was over. 

10* 



U4 FRENCH WAR OF 17S4-6a p75a 

18. Bat the attack wa3 soon renewed with increased 
fury. Concealed behind trees, loj^s, and rocks, the Indians 
poured upon the troops a deadly and incessant fire. Officers 
and men fell thickly around, and the survivors knew not 
wliere to direct their aim to revenj^e their slauf^htered 
comrades. The Avhole body was awiin thrown into con- 
fusion. The general, obstmate and couracreous, refused 
to retreat, but bent his Avhole efforts to restore and main- 
tain order. He persisted in these efforts, until five hoi'ses 
had been shot under him, and every one of his officers on 
horseback, except colonel Wasliing^on, was either killed 
or wounded. 

19. The gfcneral at length fell, and the rout became 
universal. The troops fled precipitately until they met 
the division under Dunbar, tuen sixty miles in the rear. 
To this body the same panic was communicated. Turn- 
mo- about, they fled with the rest, and althoui^h no enemy 
had been seen during" the enf^agement, nor afterwards, yet 
the army continued retreating until it reached fort Cum- 
Derland, erne hundred and twenty miles from the place of 
action. There they remained but a short time. With 
the remnant of the army, amounting to fifteen hundred 
men, colonel Dunbar, upon v/hom, on the death of Brad- 
dock, the command devolved, marched to Philadelphia, 
leaving the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia destitute 
of d(? fence. 

'20. The provincial troops, whom Braddock had so much 
desf)ised, displayed, during the battle, the utmost calmness 
and courage. Though placed in the rear, they alone, led 
on by Washington, advanced against the Indians and 
covered the retreat. Had tliey been nermitted to fight in 
their own way, they could easily have clefeated the enemy. 
In this battle, sixty-four, out of eighty-five officers, were 
either killed or wounded, and at least one half of tho 
privates. 

21. The two northern expeditions, thoufifh not so disas- 
trous, were both unsuccessful. General t^nirley, who had 
been appointed to command that against Niagara, met with 
so many delays that he did not reach Oswego until late in 
August. While embarking there to proceed against 
Niagara, the autumnal rains, began, his troops became 
discouraged, his Indian allies deserted him, and he was 
compt'llod to relinquish his design. 

:2'i. Tiie forces destined to attack Crown Point, and tho 
reqiiiaue military stores, could not bo collected at Albany 



J755.1 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-^ 115 

until the last of Auir'ist. Thence the army, under the 
command of jrcneral Johnson, proceeded to tne south end 
of lake Georf^re, on their way to the place of destination. 
There he learned, that the armament, fitted out in the 
ports of France, ehidintrthe Eng'lish squadron, had arrived 
at Quebec, and that baron Dieskau, commander of the 
French forces, Avas advancincr with an army towards the 
territories of the EntrHsh. He halted, erected sli^rht breast- 
works, and detached colonel Williams with a thousand 
men, to impede the projifress of the enemy. 

'2S. Dieskau, who was near, was immediately infonned 
of the approach of this detachment. Without losing- a 
moment, he directed his troops to conceal themselves. 
The Eucrlidii advanced into the midst of their enemy, and, 
from every quarter, received, at the same moment, a sudden 
and unexpected fire. Their leader fell, and tlie men fled, 
in disorder, to tlie camp. 

24. They were followed close'y by the enemy, who 
approached within one hundred and fifty yards of the 
breastwork ; and, had they made an immediate assault, 
would probably, such was the panic of the Enj^lisJi, have 
been successiul. But here they halted, to make disposi- 
tions for a refTular attack. The Indians and Canadiana 
were despatched to the flanks, and the regular troops 
be«ran the attack with firing, by platoons, at the centre. 
Their fire was ineffectual, and the provincials gradually 
resumed their courajre. 

25. A few discharcres of the artillery drove the Cana- 
dians and Indians to the swamps. The regulars, although 
deserted by the auxiliaries, maintained the conflict for 
more than an hour, with much steadiness and resolution. 
Dieskau, convinced that all his efforts must be unavailing, 
then gave orders to retreat. This produced some con- 
fusion, which being perceived by the provincials, they 
sunultaneously, and without orders or concert, leaped over 
the intrenchments, fell upon the French soldiers, and 
killed, captured, or dispersed tliem. The baron was 
wounded and made prisoner. 

20. The next day, colonel Blanchard, who commanded 
at fort Edward, despatched captain Folsom, of New 
Hampshire, Avith two hundred men, to tlie assistance of 
general Johnson. On his way, he discovered between 
three and four hundred of the enemy seated around a pond, 
iiot far from tlie place where colonel Williams had been 
defeated. Notwithstanding liis inleriority in numbors, ho 



116 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-^ [175a 

determined to attack them. So impetuous was the onset, 
that, after a sharp conflict, the enemy fled. In the several 
engao:Gments, the provincials lost about two hundred men 
tlie enemy upwards of seven hundred. 

27. General Johnson, though strongly importuned by the 
government of Massachusetts, refused to proceed upon liis 
expedition, which was abandoned, and most of his troops 
returned to their respective colonies. Thus ended the 
campaign of 1755. It opened with the brightest prospects ; 
immense preparations had been made, vet not one of the 
objects of the three great expeditions had been attained. 

^. During the fall and wmter, the southern colonies 
were ravaged, and the usual barbarities perpetrated upon 
the frontier inhabitants, by tlie savages, who, on the defeat 
of Braddock, and the retreat of his army, saw nothinf^ to 
restrain their fury. In Virginia and Pennsylvania, dis- 
putes existed between the governors and legislatures, 
which prevented all Lttention to the means of defence. 
Scarcely a post was maintained, or a soldier employed in 
tlieir service. 

29 The colonies, far from being discouraged by the 
fiisfortunes of the last campaign, determined to renew and 
.Ticrease their exertions. General Shirley, to whom the 
Buperintendence of all the military operations had been 
confided, assembled a council of war at New York, to 
concert a plan for the ensuing- year. He proposed that 
expeditions should be carriea on against Du Quesne, 
Niagara, and Crown Point, and that a body of troops 
should be sent, by tiie way of the rivers Kennebec and 
Chaudiere, to alarm the French for the safety of Quebec. 
This plan Avas unanimously adopted by the council. 

30. Shirley, on the last of January, returned to Bostor 
to meet the assemblv of Massachusetts, of which colon> 
he v/as governor, fle endeavored to persuade them to 
concur in the measures proposed; but, uisgusted with the 
proceedings of the last campaign, and especially at general 
Johnson's "neglecting to pursue his advantages, they were 
unwilling to engage in ofl*ensive operations, unless the 
command of their forces should be given to general Win- 
slow, who had acquired popularity by his success in Nova 
Scotia. Their wishes were complied with, and their 
concurrence was then granted. 

31. In April, news arrived from Great Britain, that tho 
conduct of general Johnson, instead of being censured, 
was considered highly meritorious ; tliat, aa a reward fui 



175a] FRENCH WAR OF 1754-6a 117 

his success, the king had conferred upon him the title of 
baronet, and parliaRient a crant of five thousand pounda 
eterlinor; that his majesty clisapproved of the conduct of 
Shirley, and had determined to remove him from command, 

32. Tliis information not bein|^ official, general Shirley 
continued his preparations with his usual activity and zeal. 
While eng-aged m coUectinof, at Alhany, the troops from 
the different colonies, o-eneral We^b brought from England 
official information of his removal. On the 25th of June, 
general Abercrombio arrived, and took conunand of the 
army. It now consisted of about twelve thousand men, 
and was more numerous and better prepared for the field 
tlian any army that had ever been assembled in America. 

33. Singular as it may appear, while this sanguinary 
war raged in America, the intercourse between the two 
nations in Europe, not only continued uninterrupted, but 
seemed more than usually friendly. This unnatural state 
of things could not long continue.' Great Britain declared 
war in May, and France in June. 

34. The change of commanders delayed the operations 
of the Enolish army. The French were active ; and on 
the 12th of July, general Aborcrombie received intelligence 
that they meditated an attack upon Oswego, a post of the 
utmost importance. General Webb vv as ordered to pre- 

fare to march witli a regiment for the defence of that place, 
n the mean time, lord Loudon, who had been appointed 
commander-in-clnef over all tiie British forces in tho 
colonies, arrived in America. 

35. Amidst the ceremonies which followed, the affairs 
of the war were forgotten. General Webb did not begii> 
his march until the I2th of August. Before he had pro- 
ceeded far, he learned that Oswego was actually besieged 
by a larf^e army of French and liidians. Alarmed for his 
own safety, he proceeded no firther, but employed hi? 
troops in erecting fortifications for their defence. 

3(3. General Montcalm, the commander of the French 
troops in Canada, began the siege of Oswego on the 12tli 
of August. On the 14th, the English commander having 
been killed, terms of surrender were proposed by the gar 
risen, and were agreed to. These terms were snamenilly 
violated. Several of the British officers and soldiers were 
insulted, robbed, and massacred by the Indians. Most of 
the sick were scalped in the hospitals, and the French 
eneral delivered twenty of the garrison to the savages, 
at Deing the number they had lost during the siege. 



Qii 



118 FRENCH WAR OF I75't-6a [1757 

Those unhappy wretches were, doubtless, according to 
the Indian custom, tortured and burnt. 

37. General Webb was permitted to retreat, unmolested, 
to Albany. Lord Loudon pretended it was now too late 
in the season to attempt any thing" further, thoug'h the 
troops under general Winslow were within a few days' 
march of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and were suffi- 
cient in number to justify an attack upon those places. 
He devoted the remainder of the season to making prep- 
arations for an early and vigorous campaign the eiisuiug 
year. 

38. This spring had opened with still more brilliant 
prospects than the last ; and the season closed without 
the occurrence of a single event that was honorable to 
the British arms, or advantageous to the colonies. This 
want of success was justly attributed to the removal of 
the provincial officers, who were well acquainted with the 
theatre of operations, but whom the ministry, desirous 
of checking the growth of talents in the colonies, were 
unvv'iiling to employ. Yet the several assemblies, though 
they saw themselves thus slighted, and their money 
annually squandered, made all the preparations that were 
~equirea of them for tiie next campaign. 

39. The reduction of Louisburgh was the object to 
which the ministry directed the attention of lord Loudon. 
In the spring of 1757, he sailed from New York, M'ith 
COOO men, and, at Halifax, met admiral Holbourn, with 
transports containing an equal number of troops, and a 
naval force consisting of fifteen ships of the line. When 
about to proceed to their place of destination, intelli^gence 
arrived that the garrison at Louisburgh had received a 
large reinforcement, and expected and desired a visit from 
the English. Disheartened by this intelligence, tlie gen- 
eral and admiral abandoned the expedition. 

40. While the English commanders were thus irreso- 
lute and idle, the French were enterprising and active. 
In March, general Montcalm made an attempt to surprise 
fort William Henry, at the south end of lake Gecr^e, 
but was defeated by the vigilance and bravery of tlie 
garrison. He returned to Crown Point, leaving a party 
jf troops at Ticonderoga. Against this post, near four 
hundred men were sent from the fort, under the command 
of colonel Parker. 

41. The colonel was deceived in his intelligence, de- 
coyed into an ambuscade, and attacked with such fury 



1757 J FRENCH WAR OF 1754-63. 119 

that but two officers and seventy privates escaped. En- 
couraged by this success, Montcah-n determined to return 
and besiege fort William Henry. For this purpose, he 
assembled an army consisting of regular troops, Canadians 
and Indians, and amounting to near ten thousand men. 
— 4^. Major Putnam, a brave and active partisan, obtained 
information of the purposes of Montcalm, Avhich he com- 
municated to general Webb, who, in the absence of lord 
Loudon, commanded the British troops in that quarter 
The general enjoined silence upon Putnam, and adopted 
no other measure, on receiving the intellif^ence, than 
Bendmg colonel Monro to take command of the fort. 

43. The day after this officer, ignorant of Avhat was 
to happen, had arrived at his post, the lake appeared 
covered with boats, which swiftly approached the shore. 
Montcalm, with but little opposition, effi^cted a landing, 
and immediately began the siege. The garrison, consisting 
of two thousand five hundred men, animated by the ex- 
pectation of relief, made a gallant defence. 

44. General Webb had an army at fort Edward, of 
more than four thousand men, and it was in his powe^r to 
call in a large number of provincial troops from INew 
York and New England. To him colonel Monro sent 
repeated and pressmg solicitations for immediate succor. 
These he disregarded, seeming entirely inditierent to the 
distressing situation of his fellow soldiers. 

45. At length, on the nintii day of the siege, in com- 
pliance with the entreaties of the friends of Monro, 

general Webb despatched sir WilHam Johnson, with a 
ody of men, to iiis relief. They had not proceeded 
three miles, when the order was countermanded. Webb 
then wrote to Manro that he could affi^rd him no assist- 
ance, and advised him to surrender on the best terms 
that he could obtain. 

46. This letter was intercepted by Montcalm, who, in 
a conference Avhich he procured, handed it himself to tlie 
commander of the fort. All hope of relief being ex- 
tinguished, articles of capitulation were agreed to. In 
these it was expressly stipulated by Montcalm, that the 
prisoners should oe protected from the savages, by a ^uard, 
and that the sick and wounded should be treated with 
humanity. 

47. But the next morning, a great number of Indians, 
having oeen permitted to enter the lines, began to plunder. 
Meeting with no opposiUon, tJ)ey fell upon the sick and 



120 FRENCH WAR OF 1754~6a [1758. 

wounded, T\'hom tliey immediately massacred. THis ex • 
cited their appetite for carnage. The defenceless troopg 
M^ere surrounded and attacked with fiend-like fury. Monro, 
hastening to Montcalm, implored hun to provide the 
stipulated guard. 

48. His entreaties were ineffectual, and the massacre 
proceeded. All was turbulence and horror. On every 
side, savages were butchering and scalping thoir wretched 
victiiHS. Their hideous yells, tlie gFoans of the dying 
and the frantic shrieks of others, shrinking from the 
iiplifted tomahawk, were heard by the French unmoved. 
The fury of the savages was permitted to rage without 
restraint, until a large number were killed, or hurried 
captives into the wilderness. 

49. The day after this awful tragedy, major Putnam 
was sent, witli his rangers, to watch the motions of the 
enemy. When he came to tlie shore of tlie lake, their 
rear was hardly beyond the reach of musket shot. The 
prospect was shocking and horrid. The fort was demol- 
ished. The barracks and buildings were yet burning. 
Innumerable fragments of human carcasses still broiled in 
the decaying fires. Dead bodies, mangled with tomahawks 
and scalping knives, in all tlie wantonness of Indian bar- 
barity, were evenr where scattered around. 

50* General Webb, apprehensive of an attack upon 
himself, sent expresses to tlie provinces for reinforce- 
ments. They were raised and dos{)utched with expedition ; 
but as Montcalm rcturnod to Ticonderoga, tliey wore kept 
in service but a few weeks. And tlius ended the third 
campaio-n in America. 

51. These continual disasters resulted from folly and 
mismanagement, rather than from want of means and 
military strenMh. Tlie British nation was alarmed and 
indignant, and the king found it necessary to change his 
councils. At tlie head of the new ministry he placed 
the celebrated Williani Pitt, who rose, by the force of 
liis talents alone, from the humble post of ensign in tho 
guards, to the control of the destinies of a mightv empire. 
Public confidence revived, and the nation seemed inspired 
with new life and vigor. 

52. For the next campaign, the ministry determined 
upon three expeditions ; one of twelve thousand inen 
against Louisbur<Wi ; one of sixteen tiiousand against 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and one of eight thousand 
B f/ainst fort Du Quesne. Ths colonies were called upon 



1758.] FRENCH WAR OF 1754-63. V2\ 

to render all the assistance in their power. Lord London 
havinjT been recalled, the command of the expedition 
aj^ainst Louisburo-h was j^ivcn to general Amherst, undt?r 
Avliom tjoneral Wolfe served as a brigadier. The p]aco 
was invested on the 12th of June. Amherst made hi^ 
approaches with much circumspection ; and, Avithout any 
memorable incident, the sieg-o terminated, on the 26tn 
of July, by the surrender of the place. Whenever an 
opportunity occurred, general Wolfe, wjio was then younc", 
displayed all that fire, impetuosity, and discretion, which 
afterwards immortalized his name. 

53. The expedition against Ticonderoga was com- 
manded by general Abercrombie. He was accompanied 
by lord Howe, whose military talents and amiable virtues 
made him the darling of the soldiery. This army consisted 
of seven tliousand regular troops, and ten thousand pro- 
vincials. When approaching tne fort, a skirmish took 
place with a small party of the enemy, in which lord 
Howe was killed at the first fire. On seeing him fall, the 
troops moved forward with an animated determination to 
avenge his death. Three hundred of the enemy were killed 
c^ the spot, and one hundred and forty made prisoners. 

54. The ardor of his. men, and the intelligence gained 
from the prisoners, induced general Abercrombie to make 
an assault upon the works. It was received with un- 
daunted bravery, and was persevered in with singular 
obstinacy. For four hours, the troops remained before 
the walls, attempting to scale them, and exposed to a 
destructive fire of musketry and artillery. The genera), 
despairing of success, then directed a retreat. Near two 
thousand of the assailants were killed or wounded. The 

OSS of the French wjfs not great, and most of the killed 
were shot tiirough the head, the other parts of their 
bodies being protected by their works. 

55. After this bloody repulse, Abercrombie despatched 
colonel Bradstreet, with three thousand men, mostly 
provincials, a^-ainst fort Frontenac, which was situated 
on lake Ontario, and contained a large quantity of mer- 
chandise, provisions, and military stores. It fell an easy 
conquest, and the loss was severely felt by the French. 
The western Indians, not receiving their usual supply of 
merchandise, relaxed in their exekions ; and the lroop3 
at Du Quesne suffered from the want of the provisions and 
military stores. These circumstances contributed essen- 
tially to facilitiite the operations of the third expedition. 



122 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-(3a [1759. 

56. This was placed under the command of gfeneral 
Forbes. He left Philadelphia in the beginning of July, 
and, after a laborious march, through deep morasses and 
over unexplored mountains, arrived at Raystown, ninety 
miles from Du Quesne. An advanced party of eight 
hundred men, under the command of major Grant, was 
met by a detachment from the fort, and defeated, with 
great slaughter. 

57. Forbes, undismayed by this disaster, advanced with 
^,!iutious and steady perseverance. The enemy, observing 
his circumspection, determined not to abide the event oi 
a siege. After dismantling the fort, they retired down the 
Ohio, to their settlements on the Mississippi. General 
Forbes, taking possession of the place, changed its name 
to Pittsburgh. 

58. The campaign of 1758 was highly honorable to the 
British arms. Of the three expeditions, two had com- 
pletely succeeded, and the leader of the third had made an 
'm^ortant conquest. To the commanding talents of Pitt, 

and the confidence which they inspired, this cnange of 
fortune must be attributed ; and in no respect were these 
talents more strikingly displayed, than in the choice of 
men to execute lus plans. 

59. Encouraged by the events of this year, the English 
anticipated still o:reater success m the campaign which 
was to follow. The plan marked out by the minister, 
was indicative of the boldness and energy of his genius. 
Three different armies were, at the same time, to be led 
against the three strongest posts of the French in America; 
Niagara, Ticonderoga, and Quebec. Tiie latter post was 
considered the strongest ; and it was therefore intended 
that, should Ticonderoga be com|uered, the victorious 
army should press forward to assist in its reduction. 

60. In the beginning of July, general Prideaux embarked 
on lake Ontario, with the armydestined against Niagara, 
and, on the sixth, landed about three miles from the fori. 
He immediately commenced a siege, in the progress of 
which he was killed, by the bursting of a shell. 1'he 
command devolved upon sir William Johnson. An army 
of French and Indians approacliing soon after, he detached 
a part of his forces to meet them. A battle ensued ; the 
English gained the victory, wliich was followed by the 
surrender of the fort 

61. General Amherst, to whom was assigned the expe- 
dition against Ticonderoga, found so many difficulties to 



1759.1 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-63. 123 

surmount, that he was unable to present himself before 
that place until late in July. It was immediately aban- 
donea by the enemy. The British ffeneral, after reoairing 
the works, proceeded against Crown Point. On hia 
approach, this was also deserted, the enemy retiring" to the 
Isle aux Noix. To p^ain possession of this post, great 
efforts were made, and much time consumed ; but a suc- 
cession of storms on lake Champlain prevented success. 
General Amherst was compelled to lead back his anny to 
^rown Point, where he encamped for the wmter. 

62. The expedition against Quebec was the most daring 
and important. That place, strong by nature, had been 
made still stronger by art, and had received the appropriate 
appellation of the Gibraltar of America. Every expedition 
against it had failed. It was now commanded by Mont- 
calm, an officer of distinguished reputation ; and an attempt 
to reduce it must have seemed chimerical to any one but 
Pitt. He judged rightly, that the boldest and most dan- 
gerous enterprises are often the most successful. They 
arouse the energies of man, and elevate them to a level 
with tlie dangers and difficulties to he encountered, espe- 
cially when committed to ardent minds, glowing with 
enthusiasm, and emulous of jiflory. 

G3. Such a mind he had discovered in general Wolfe, 
whose conduct at Louisburgh had attracted his attention! 
He appointed him to conduct the expedition, and gave him 
for assistants, brij^adier-generals Moncton, Townshond, 
and Murray ; all, like himself, young and ardent. ' Early 
in the season, he sailed from Halifax, with eight tliousand 
troops, and, near the last of June, landed the whole army 
on the island of Orleans, a few miles below Quebec. 

64. From this position he could take a near and distinct 
view of the obstacles to be overcome. These were so 
^eat, that even the bold and sanguine Wolfe perceived 
Xiore to fear than to hope. In a letter to Mr. Pitt, written 
before commencing operations, he declared that he saw 
but little prospect of reducing the place. 

65. Quebec stands on the north side of the St. Lawrence, 
and consists of an upper and lower town. The lower town 
lies between the river and a bold and lofty eminence, 
wJiich runs parallel to it, far to the westward. At the top 
of this eminence is a plain, i^jiOn which the upper town i3 
eituated. Below, or east ot the city, is tne river St. 
Charles, whose channel is rough, and whose banks ore 
steep and broken. A short distance fartlier down is the 



124 FRENCH WAR OF 1754-G3. [}7S[k 

nver Montmorency ; and betAvcen these two nvers, J^nd 
reacliiniT from one 'to the other, was encamped the French 
army, stronirly entrenched and at least equal in number to 
that* of the'EuLHish. 

06. General Wolfe took possession of Point Levi, on 
the bank of the river opposite Ciuebec, and from that posi- 
tion cannonaded the town. Some injury was done to the 
houses, but his cannon were too distant to make any 
•'mpression upon the works of the enemy. He resolved to 
quit this po^t, to land below Montmorency, and passinof that 
river, to attack the French jjeneral in his entrenchments. 

()7. He succeeded in landing his troops, and, with a 
portion of his army, crossed the ^lontmorency. A partial 
engag-ement took place, in which the French obtained the 
advantacre. Relinquishinor this plan, he then determined, 
in concert with tlie admiral, to destroy the French shijipin^ 
and magazines. Two attempts were unsuccessful ; a third 
was more fortunate, yet but little was effected. At this 
juncture, intelligence arrived that Niagara was taken, that 
Ticonderoga and Crown Pomt had been abandoned, but 
tliat general Amherst, instead of pressmg forward to their 
assistance, was preparing to attack ihe Isle aux Noix. 

()8. Wolfe rejoiced at the triumpli of his brethren in 
arms, but could not avoid contrasting their success witli 
his own ill fortune. His mind, alike loft}'^ and susceptible, 
was deeply impressed by the disasters at Montmorency , 
and the extreme chagrin of his spirits, preying upon his 
delicate frame, sensibly affected his health. lie was 
observed frequently to sigh ; and, as if life was only valu- 
able M'iiile it added to his glory, he declared to his intimate 
friends, that he would not survive the disgrace which he 
imagined would attend the failure of his enterprise. 

G9. Despairing of success below the town, he next 
directed his efforts towards effecting a landing above it. 
He removed a part of his army to Point Levi, and the 
remainder higher up the river. He now found that, on 
tliis quarter, the fortifications were not strong; and 
discovered that the heights behind them might possibly 
be gained, by ascendinor the precipice in a narrow path, 
which was defended only bv a (>^i plain's guard. 

70. The difficulties attending tliis enterprise Avere nume- 
n:)us. The current was rnpid, the sliore shelving, the only 
landing place so narrow that it might easily be missed in 
the dark, and trie steep above, such as troops, even when 
unopposi3d, could not ascend witliout difficulty. Yet thu 



17^).] FRENCH WAR OF 1754--63. J25 

plan, tlioiigh bold and hazardous, was well adapted to the 
desperate situation of affairs, and was determined on. 

71. To conceal tiieir intention, the admiral retired seve- 
ra) leagues up the river. During tlie evening, a strong- 
detaclunent was put on board tlie Doats, and moved silently 
down witli the tide, to the place of landing, where tliey 
arrived an hour before daybreak. Wolfe leaped on shore, 
w^aa followed by the troops, and all instantly began, witli 
the assistance of shrubs and projecting rocks, to climb up 
the precipice. The guard was dispersed, and, by the dawn 
of day, the whole army gained the heights of Abraham, 
\yhcre the different corps were formed under their respec- 
tive leaders. 

72. Montcalm, at first, could not believe that the Eng- 
lish had ascended the heights. When convinced of tlie 
fact, he comprehended the nill advaiitage they had gained. 
He saw that a battle was inevitable, and prepared for it 
with promptness and courage. Leaving his camp at 
Montmorency, he advanced towards the English army, 
which was formed in order of battle to receive him. 

73. The P'rench advanced briskly. The English re- 
served their fire until tlie enemy were near, and then gave 
it with decisive effect. Early in the engarrement, Wolfe 
was wouiKicd in the wrist, but preserving his composure, 
he continued to encourage his troops. Soon alter, he 
received a shot in the groin. This painful wound he also 
concealed, placed himself at the head of the grenadiers, 
and was leading tliem to the charge, when he received a 
thira and mortd wound. 

74. Undismayed by tlie fall of their general, the English 
continued tlieir exertions under i\Ioncton, who, in a siiort 
time, was himself wounded, and the conmiaiid devolved upon 
Townshend. About the same time, Montcahn received a 
mortal wound, and the second in command also fell. The 
lefl wing and centre of the French gave way. Part were 
driven into Quebec, and part over the river St. Charles. 

75. On receiving liis mortal wound, Wolfe was con- 
veyed into tJie rear, where, careless about himself, he 
discovered, m the agonies of death, the most anxious 
solicitude concerning the fate of the day. From extreme 
faintness, he had reclined hi? head on the arm of an ofiicen 
but was soon aroused by the cry of, " They fly, they fly. 
** Who fly ? " exclaimea the dying hero. " The French," 
answered his attendant " Then," said he, " I die con- 
tented," and immediately expired. A death so illorious, 



126 REVOrjJTfON 

and attended by circumstances so interesting, has seldom 
been recorded in history. 

76. Five days after the battle, the city surrendered, 
and received an Enghsh garrison. The Frencii concen- 
trated their remaining forces at Montreal, and, early in tlie 
spring, made attempts to regain possession of Quebec. 
Unsuccessful in these, they returned to Montreal, towards 
which the whole British force in America, under the com- 
unand of general Amlior.st, was approaching. This force 
was too strong to be resisted. In Septeniber, 17()0, tliat 
city surrendered, and soon after all tlie French posts in 
Canada fell into tiie power of the En"-lish. 

77. In the other paits of tlie world, their arans were 
equally successful ; and, at the commencement of 17G3, a 
peace, higiily advantageous to their interests, was con 
eluded at Pans. By the treaty, France ceded to Great 
Britain all her nortliern settlements in America, which 
relieved tlie colonies from tlie continual dread of savago 
incursions. 



CHAPTER XV. 

REVOLUTION. 

In tlie late brilliant contest, England had rnade unpre- 
cedented exertions. At its close, she found that, tli-^'.igh 
fihe iiad encircled her name witli glory, and addea ex- 
tensive territories to her empire, sue had increased, in 
})roporUon, the burdens of her subjects, having added tliree 
lundred and twenty millions of dollars to the amount of 
her debt To find tlie means of defraying the annual 
charges of tliis debt, and her otlier increased expenditures, 
was tlie first and difficult task of her legislators. 

2. Regard for tJieir own interest and popularity impelled 
tliem to avoid, if possible, unposing tlie whole burden upon 
themselves and their fellow subjects at home ; and their 
thoughts were turned to the colonies, as the source whence 
alleviation and assistance might be derived. On their 
account, it was alleged, tJie contest had been waged ; they 
would sliare the advantao-es of its glorious termination, 
and justice required tliat tliey should also defray a portion 
of the expenses. 

3. To adopt this expedient, tlie British ministry wero 



1764.] REVOLUTIOjN. 127 

the more naturally led by tlic opinion which all the Euro- 
pean f^overnments entertained of the relation between the 
mother country and her colonies. Tlioy were supposed 
to be dependent on her will ; their inhabitants a distinct 
and subordinate rlass of subjects, and their intcre«^s en- 
tirely subservient to her a^jg^-andizenient and prosperity. 

4. Acting^ upon these principles, Great Britain had, by 
her laws of* trade and navigation, confined the commerce 
of the colonies almost wholly to herself. To encourag-e 
\er own artisans, she had even, in some cases, proJiibitod 

the establishment of manuflictories in America. These 
restrictions, while they increased her revenue and -vvealtli, 
greatly diminished the profits of the trade of the colonies, 
and sensibly impeded their internal prosperity. TJiey were 
most injurious to Ncav England, where the sterility of the 
soil repelled the people from the pm-suits of ag-riculture; 
there they were most frequently violated, and tliere tiie 
arbitrary mode of enforcing them, by writs of assistance, 
awakened the attention of a proud and jealous people to 
their natural rights, to their rights as English subjects, 
smd to the rights granted and secured by their charters. 

5. In the oeginnmg of tlie year 1764, tiie British par- 
liament enacted a law nnposin^ duties upon certain articles 
of merchandise, to be paid in the colonial ports. Mr. 
Grenville, the prime minister, also proposed a resolution, 
**that it would be proper to charge certain stamp duties 
on the colonies," but postponed tfie consideration of tliat 
subject to a future session. As it was foreseen tliat the 
law would be disregarded, if extraordinary measures were 
not adopted to enfljrce it, provision was made thnt all 

{>enalties for violations of it, and of all other revenue 
^aws, miorht be recovered in tlie admiralty courts. Tiie 
judp^es of these courts were dependent solely on the king 
and decided the causes brought before them, without tlie 
I ntervention of a jur}'. 

G. Intelligence of these proceedings occasioned, in 
America, p^eat and universal alarm. They were con- 
sidered tlie commencement of a system of taxation, 
wJiich, if not vigorously resisted, would, in time, be 
extended to every article of commerce, and to every in- 
ternal source of income; and if the colonists coulil be 
deprived in one class of causes, why not in all, of that 
inestimable privil egp, the trial by jury ? 

7 The general court of Massachusetts, at their session 
in June, took this law into consideration. The house of 



128 REVOLUTION. [1764. 

representatives sent a spirited letter of instructions to 
tlieir agent, in England, in which they denied the right of 
parliament to impose duties and taxes upon tiie people not 
represented in the house of commons; and directed him 
to remonstra-te against the duties imposed, and the stamp 
act in contemplation. They also acquainted the other 
colonies with the instruction tliey had given to their a^ent, 
and desired their concurrence in tiie mode of opposition 
adopted. In the course of the year, several other colo- 
nies, particularly New York and Virginia, remonstrated 
in respectful, but decided terms, against the proceedings 
of parliament. 

8. In tliese several state papers, the right of Great 
Britain to collect a tax in the colonies, was explicitly 
denied; and the denial was supported by clear and power- 
fnl arguments. It was stated that the first emigrants 
came to America with the undoubted consent of the 
mot'her country; that all tiie expenses of removal, of 
purchasing the territory, and, for along time, of protection 
from savage warfare, were defrayed by private individuals, 
except in the single instance of the settlement of Georgia ; 
that charters under tlie great seal, were given to the 
emigrants, imparting and securing to them and to their 
descendants, all tlie rights of natural born English sub- 
jects: that of these rights, none was more indisputable, 
and none more higldy valued, than that no subject coald 
be deprived of his property by his own consent, ex- 
pressed in person or by his representative ; that taxes 
were but grants, by the representative, of a portion of his 
own property, and of that of those who had authorized 
him to act in their behalf Could it be just, it was asked, 
that the representatives of Englishmen should "give and 
grant " the property of Americans ? With what safety to 
the colonies, could the right of taxing tliem be confined t« 
abodv of men tliree thousand miles distant, over whona 
they liad no control, none of whom conld be acquainted 
with tlieir situation or resources, and whose interest", 
would impel them to make the burdens of the colonists 
heavy, that their own might be light? 

9. But, besides infringing the rights of freemen, the 
measure was neither equitable nor generous. The colo- 
nies had domestic governments which they alone sup- 
ported; in the late war, their exertions had been greater, 
in proportion to their ability, than those of England; they 
also had contracted debts which they must themselves 



1765.1 REVOLUTION. J29 

pay; the taxes laid by many of the assemblies, were 
higher than tliose paid by the inhabitants of England ; if 
the war had been waged on their account, it was because, 
as colonies, they were beneficial to tlie motlier country ; 
and from its happy termination, tliey derived no advantage 
which was not the source of ultimate profit to her. 

JO. Upon men who entertained the strictest notions of 
colonial dependence, and parliamentary supremacy, these 
arguments liad little effect. Tlie minister was not diverted 
from his purpose. In March, 1765, he laid before parlia- 
ment a bill, miposing stamp duties on certain papers and 
documents used in tJie colonies. At the first readinof, it 
was wamily opposed ; by some because it was impolitic, 
by two only because it was a violation of right. 

11. The bill was supported by Charles Townshend, a 
brilliant orator on the side of the ministry. At the con- 
clusion of an animated speech, he demanded : " And these 
Americans, children planted by our care, nourished by our 
indulgence, protected by our arms, until they are grown to 
a good degree of strength and opulence, will they grudge 
to contribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy load 
of national expense which we lie under ? " 

12. Colonel Barre, immediately rising, indignantly and 
eloquently exclaimed. " Children planted by Tjoiir care ! 
No. Your oppressions planted thejn in America. They 
fled from your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, 
where tliey were exposed to all tlie hardships to which 
human nature is liable ; and among others, to tlie cruelties 
of a savage foe, the most subtle, and, I will take upon 
me to say, the most terrible, that ever inhabited any part 
of God's earth. And yet, actuated by principles ot^ true 
English liberty, Uiey mot all these harasni{)s with pleasure, 
when they compared them with those they sulibred in 
tlieir own country, from men who should have been tiieir 
friends. 

13. " They nourished by your indulgence ! No. They 
erew by your neglect when you began to care about 
Siem, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule 
over them, who were the deputies of some deputy sent to 
spy out then- liberty, to misrenresent tlieir actions, and to 

Eroy upon tncm ; whose behavior, on many occasions, 
as caused the blood of those sons of liberty to recoil 
within them ; men promoted to the highest seats of justice, 
Bonie of whom were glad, by going to a foreign country, 
to escape being brought to the bar of justice in their own. 



130 REVOLUTION. [1765. 

14. ^^ They protected by your arms ! They have nobly 
taken up arms in your defence. They have exerted their 
valor, amidst tlieir constant and laborious industry, for 
the defence of a country which, while its frontier was 
(h-enched in blood, has yielded all its little savings to your 
emolument. Believe me, and remember I this day told 
you so, the same spirit wliich actuated that people at first, 
still continues with tliem ; but prudence tbrbids me to 
explain myself further. 

15. " God icnows I do not at this time speak from party 
..eat However superior to me in general laiowled*^e and 
experience any one here may be, f claim to know more 
of America, havmg been convoryant in that country. The 

Eeople there are as truly loyal as any subjects the kin^ 
as, bu<. they are a people jealous oi tlieir liberties, and 
will vindicate tliem if tJiey should be violated. But the 
subject is delicate ; I \vill say no more." 

16. Eloquence and argument availed nothing. The bill 
was almost unaphnoasly passed. The night aftei, doctor 
Franldin, then in England as agent for Pennsylvania, 
wrote to Charles Thompson : " The sun of liberty is set ; 
you must light up the candles of industry and economy." 
"Be assured," said Mr. Thomjieon, in reply, "that we 
shall light up torches of quite another sort; thus predict- 
ing the commotions which followed. 

17. The act provided that all contracts and legal pro- 
cesses should be written on stamped paper, which was to 
be furnished, at exorbitant prices, by the government, or 
ehould have no force in laAv. Information of its passage 
was received in all the colonies with soitow and dismay. 
They saw that tliey must either surrender, without a 
struggle, their darhn^ rights, or resist the government of 
a nation, which they had been accustomed to regard with 
^ial respect, and was then the most powerful in tlie world. 

18. The general assembly of Virginia were in session 
wlien tlie information anived. Of that body, Patrick 
Henry, a young man, but a distinguished orator, was a 
member. Near the close of tlie session, he proposed five 
resolutions, in the first four of which were asserted tlie 
various rights and privileges claimed by the colonists, and, 
in the fifth, the ri^nt of parliament to tax America, was 
boldly and explicitly denied. Tliese he defended by stron<^ 
reason and irresistible eloquence, and they were adopted 
by a rnajority of one. 

19. The next day, in Iiis absence, the fifth resolution 



ir^'.S.] REVOLUTION. 131 

was rescinded ; but that and the otliers had ffone fortli to 
the world, and unparted higher animation to the friends of 
freedom. They were a signal to the resolute and ardent ; 
tliey gave encouragement to tl)c thnid and cautious : they 
were industriously but privately circulated, in the principal 
cities, until they arrived in New England, where they 
were fearlessly published in all the newspapers. 

20. Nearly at the same time, nnd before the proceedings 
of Virginia were known in Massachusetts, her genera' 
court adopted measures to procure a combined oppositioj 
to tiiC offensive laws. They passed a resolve proposing 
tliat a congress of deJe^-ates from tlie several colonies, 
should be held at New York, and addressed letters to tlie 
other assemblies, earnestly soliciting tiieir concun-ence. 

21. These legislative proceedings took place in May 
and June, 17(55. They were the moderate and dignified 
expression of feelings, wliich animated, in a more uitense 
degree, a great majority of the people. In New England, 
associations, for the purpose of resisting tlie law, were 
organized, assuming, from Barre's speech, tlie appellation 
of " Sons of Liberty ; " pamphlets were published vindi- 
cating the rights or the colonies ; and tlie public journals 
were filled with essays pointing out the danger Avliich 
tlireatened the cause of liberty, and encouraging a bold 
and manly resistance. 

22. Excited by tliesc publications, a multitude assembled 
in Boston, on the 14tii of August, burned the ef!i^y of 
Andrew Oliver, who had been appointed stamp-distributer, 
and demolished a building which tliey supposed he had 
erected for his office. Fearful of fartlier injniy, Mr. 
Oliver declared his intention to resign, when the people 
desisted from molesting him. 

23. Several days afterwards, a mob beset the house o** 
Mr. Story, an officer of tlie detested admiralty couru 
They broke liis windows, destroyed his furniture, and 
burned his jmpers. They then proceeded to the house of 
liontenant-^overnor Hutcliinson, by whose advice, it was 
supposed, the stamp-act had been passed. They entered 
it by force. Himself, his Avife, and children fled. His 
elegant furniture was carried ofl' or destroyed. The par- 
titions of the house were broken down, and the next 
morning nothing but the bare and desolate walls remained. 

24. When intelligence of these proceedings reached 
Newr>ort,m Rhode Island, the people of that place as- 
lembled and committed similar outrages. Two houses 



132 REVOLUTION. [1763^ 

were pillaged, and the stamp-distributer, to preserve his 
own, was obliged to give to tne leader of the exasperated 
populace a wntten resignation of his office. In Connecti- 
cut, similar commotions were also quieted by the resigna- 
tion of the distributer of stamps for that colony. 

25. In New York, the people displayed equal spirit, but 
less turbulence and rage. '1 he obnoxious act was printed, 
under the title of " The folly of England, and the ruin oi 



\inerica," and thus exhibited for sale m the streets. At 
an early period, the stamp-distributer prudently resigned 
his office ; and when the stamped paper arrived, it was 
deposited for safe keeping in the fort. A mob required 
the lieutenant-governor to place it in their hands. He re- 
fused; but, terrified by their menaces, consented to deliver 
it to the magistrates, who deposited it in tlie city hall. 
Ten boxes, which afterwards amved, were seized by the 
people, and committed to the flames. 

2(1 So general was thie opposition to the law, that the 
Btamp-offictTs, in ail the colonies, were compelled to 
resign. In Boston, care was taken, on tlie one hand, to 
prevent the recurrence of violent proceedings, and, on the 
other, to keep in full vigor the spirit of resistance. A 
newspaper was established, having for its device a snake 
divided into as many parts as there were colonies, and for 
its motto, "Join or die." Mr. Oliver was required to resign 
his office, with more ceremony and solemnity, under a 
large elm, which had, from the meetings held under it, 
received tlie name of tlie tree of hberty. 

27. In October, the congress recommended by Massa- 
chusetts, convened at New York. Delegates from six 
f)rovinces onlv were present. Their first act was a Dec- 
aration of Rights, in which tliey asserted^ that the 
colonies were entitled to all the rights and liberties of 
ifatural born subjects within the kingdom of Great Britain, 
tlie most essential of wiiich were the exclusive right to 
tax themselves, and the privilege of ti'ial by jury. A pe- 
tition to the king, and a memorial to botli nouses of par- 
liament, were also agreed on; and thp colonial assem- 
blies were advised to appoint special agents to solicit, in 
concert, a redress of grievances. To interest the people 
of England in the cause of tlie colonies, the merchants of 
New York directed their correspondents, in that country, 
to purchase no more ^oods until the stamp-act should be 
repealed. Immediately after, non-importation agreements 
were adopted in the other colonies, and associations were 



VfeU] REVOLUTION. I'M 

organized for the encourap^ement of domestic manufac- 
tures. To avoid the necessity of stamps, proceednigs in 
the courts of justice were suspended, and disputes were 
eettled by arbitration. 

28. In the mean time, an entire change had taken place 
m tiie British Cabinet, and a proposition to repeal the 
Btamp-act was, by the new ministry, laid before parliament. 
An interesting" debate ensued. Mr. GrenvilLe, the late 
prime minister, declared, tlwat to repeal the act undei 
existing circumstances, would degrade tlie govcrimient, 
and encourage rebellion. " When," he demanded, " were 
the Americans emancipated ? By what law, by what 
reason do they ungratefully claim exemption from defray- 
ing expenses incurred in protecting them?" 

"29. William Pitt, he who had wielded, with such 
mighty effect, the power of England, in the late war, rose 
to reply. He regretted that he nad not been able to attend 
in his place, and oppose the law on its passage. "It is 
now an act that has passed. I would speak wjtii decency 
of every actof tliis house; but 1 must beg the indulgence 
of this house to speak of it with freedom. Assuredly a 
more important subject never engaged your attention ; that 
Bubject only excepted, when, nearly a century ago, it was 
the question whetner you yourselves were bond or free ? 

30. " Those who have spoken before me, witli so much 
vehemence, would maintain the act because our honor 
demands it. But can the point of honor stand opposed 
against justice, ao;ain3t reason, aga hist right? It is my 
opinion that Engm,nd has no right to tax the colonies. 
At tlie same time, I assert tlie autliority of this kingdom 
over the colonies to be sovereign and supreme, in every 
circumstance of government and legislation whatsoever. 

31. "Taxation is no part, of the governing or legisla- 
tive power. The taxes are a volr.ntaiy gift and grant of 
tlie commons alone ; when, therefore,' in this huuSo», we 
give and grant, we give and grant what is our own. But 
m an American tax, what do we do? We, your majes- 
ty's commons of Great Britain, give and gTant to y(jur 
majesty — what? Our own pi perty? No. We give and 
ffrant to your majesty the property of your commons in 
America. Ir is an absurd-itv in terms. 

fi2. " It has been asked, Avhen were the Americans 
emancipated? But 1 desire to know when they were 
made slaves. I hear it said, that America is obstinate ; 
America is almost in open rebellion, I rejoice that 



134 REVOLUTION. [170& 

America has resisted. Three millions of people, so dead 
to ail the feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit to be 
slaves, Avould have been fit instruments to make slaves 
of ourselves. 

33. " Tlie honorable member has said, for he is fluent 
in words of bitterness, that America is uno-rateful. He 
boasts of his bounties towards her. But are not these 
bounties intended finally for tJie benefit of tliis Idng-dom ? 
The profits of Great IJritain, from her commerce with 
tlie colonies, are two mdlions a year. Tliis is the fund 
that carried you triumphantly through tlie last war. The 
estates that wore rented at two thousand pounds a year, 
eeventy years ao-o, are at three thousand pounds at pres- 
ent You owe tliis to America. This is the price she pays 
you for protection. 

34. " A great deal has been said without doors, and 
more than is discreet, of the power, of the strengtli of 
America. In a good cause, on a sound bottom, the force 
of this country can crush America to atoms. But on the 
ground of this tax, when it is wished to prosecute an 
evident injustice, I am one who will lift my hands and 
my voice against it. In such a cause, your success 
would be deplorable and victory hazardous. America, 
if she fell, would fall like the strong man. She woul4. 
embrace the pillars of the state, and puU down tlie consti- 
tution along with her." 

35. The sentiments of this great statesman prevailed 
in parliament. The stamp-act was repealed ; but another 
act was passed declaring that " the legislature of Great 
Britain has autJiority to make laws to bind the colonies 
in all cases whatsoever." The merchants of London re- 
joiced at this repeal. They had felt the effects of tlie 
colonial non-importation agreements, and dreaded that 
still more injurious consequences would follow. 

3G. But far greater were the rejoicings of the Ameri- 
cans. They had obtained the object for which they had 
contended. Tliey regarded the declaratory act as the 
mere reservation of wounded pride, and welcomed with 
transport the opportunity of again cherishing their foraier 
affection for the land of their fathers. The assemblies of 
several colonies voted their tlianks to Mr. Pitt, and to 
otliers in England, who had supported their cause ; and 
that of Virgmia resolved to erect an obelisk to their 
honor, and a marble statue of the king, as a memorial of 
gratitude. 



3767.] REVOLUTIOiN. 185 

37. By the people of New EnMand and New York less 
joy was felt and less gratitude displayed. The laws im- 
posing duties on their trade were still in force. The 
courts of admiralty, sitting witliout juries, still retained 
jurisdiction of all revenue causes. Their repeated con- 
tests with their g-overnors had weakened their attachment 
to tlie nation that appointed them, and confirmed their 
republican principles. They still remembered tlie past 
\nd entertained suspicious of the future. 
" 38. The very next vear events occurred which justified 
tliese suspicions. A laAv of parliament, which remained 
unrepealed, directed tliat whenever troops should be 
marched into any of the colonies, quarters, rum, and various 
necessary articles, should be provided for them,^ at the 
expense of the colonv. The assembly of New York 
refused obedience to tfiis law, considering it an indirect 
mode of taxing them without their consent. To punish 
this disobedience, parliament immediately suspended the 
authority of the assembly. It was easily seen that noth- 
ing had been gain' .'; if this power of suspension, for such 
a cause, existed, and could be exercised at pleasure. 

39. The alarm, occasioned by tliis act of despotic 
power, was increased by a measure, which, under the 
ausnices of a new ministry, was adopted in .Fune, 17G7. 
A auty was imposed by parliament on the importation 
into the colonies, of glass, tea, and other enumerated 
articles, and provision u as made for the appointment of 
commissioners of the customs to be dependent solely on 
the crown. 

40. Early in the next year, the general court of Massa- 
chusetts, pursuing the same course as in J7(>4, addressed 
a letter to their agent in London, containing able arguments 
against tliose duties, and requested him to communicate tlie 
\ittCT to the ministry. They also sent to the other colonial 
cxssemblies a circular letter, in AvJiich these arguments 
were repeated, and suggested the expediency of acting in 
concert, in all endeavors to obtain redress. 

41. These proceedings incensed and alarmed the min- 
istry. They feared that a union of the colonies would 
give them strength and confidence, and determined, if pos- 
sible, to prevent it. They instructed sir John Bernard, 
then governor of Massachusetts, to require the general 
court to rescind tlie vote directing the circular letter to he 
8ont, and incase of refusal to dissolve it The governor 



J36 REVOLUTION. [17GSL 

communicated thcae instnictions to tlie house of represen- 
tatives, wJiich, by a vote of ninety-two to seventeen, refused 
Uj rescind, and was accordinMy dissolved. 

4'<i. The attempt to intimiaate did but strengthen oppo- 
sition. The no n -importation afrieemcnts, which liad been 
lately abandoned, were renewed, and more extensively 
ado})ted. The citizens of Boston met, and proposed tliat 
a convention of dele^'-ates from tlie several towns in tlie 
proviiicc, should be held at that place. Nearly every 
to vn accordingly sent delegates. This convention, thouffli 
it disclaimed all legal authority, was regarded with the 
Game respect as a legitimate assembly. Its proceedings 
ivcre unimportant, but by its sessions m the metropolis of 
Nov.' England, the people became accustomed to pay daf^ 
ere;:ce to a body of men deriving all their autliority from 
the instructions of their constituents. 

4:J. On so many occasions had the refractory spirit of 
tlie citizens of Boston been displayed, that general Gage, 
v/lio was commander-in-chief of all the troops in tlie col- 
onies, was ordered to station a regiment in that town, as 
well to overawe tlie citizens, as to protect tlie officers of 
Ihe revenue in the discharge of their duty. Before tlie 
order was executed, the sefzure of a sloop belonging to 
Mr. Hancock, a popular loader, occasioned a liot, in which 
those officers were insulted and beaten. Tlie general, 
on receiving information of this event, sent two regiments 
instead of one, and on tlie first of October they arrived in 
the harbor, 

44. The ships that brought them, taking a station 
tJiat commanded the whole town, lay v/ith tlieir broad- 
sides towards it, ready to fire should resistance be at- 
tempted. The troops, witli loaded muskets and fixed 
bayonets, then landea ; and, tlie selectmen having refused 
to provide quarters, tlie)' took possession of the state 
house. All the rooms, except one reserved for tJie council, 
were filled, and two pieces of camioa were placed near tho 
principal entrance. 

45. Witli indignant and exasperated feelings, the people 
witnessed this tiireatening display of military force. They 
saw tlie hall of their venerated legislature polluted by the 
ti-ead of foreign mercenaries. They saw soldiers parading 
tlieir streets, and guards mounted at tlie corners. Tliey 
were challenged as they passed, and the unwelcome din 
of martial music often disturbed tlieir repose. They 



17(2).! REVOLUTlOiN. 137 

knew that intimidation was the object, and felt a stronge? 
determination to resist than had before animated their 
bosoms. 

46. Resolutions, in tlie mean time, had been adopted in 
parliament, censurmcr, in the strongest terms, the conduct 
of the people of Massachusetts, and directing the gover- 
nor to make strict inquiry, as to all treasons committed in 
tliat province, since the year 1767, in order that the per- 
sons most active in committing them might be sent to 
England for trial. 

47. These resolutions rendered it sufficiently evident 
tliat Great Britain had determined to adhere to the system 
of measures she had adopted. In May, they were tiiken 
mto consideration by the house of burgesses of Virginia. 
In sundry resolutions, they reasserted the right of the 
colonies to be exempted from parliamentary taxation, and 
declared that seizing persons in tlie colonies, suspected of 
having committed crimes therein, and sending them be- 
yond sea \jo be tried, violated the rights of British subjects, 
as it deprived them of the inestimable right of being tried 
by a jury of the vicinage, and of producing witnesses on 
tlieir trial. 

48. While these resolutions Avere under discussion, the 
/louse, apprehensive of an immediate dissolution should 
tlie subject of their deliberations be known to the gover- 
nor, closed their dooi-s. The instant they were opened, a 
message was announced, requesting tiieir attendance be- 
fore him. " Mr. Speaker," said he, " and gentlemen of 
tlie house of burgesses, I have heard of your resolves, 
and augur ill of their effects. You have made it my duty 
to dissolve you, and you are dissolved accordingly." 

49. This, like every previous measure of intimidation, 
excited to a still higher degree the spirit of opposition. 
The members assembled at a private house, elected their 
speaker to preside as moderator, and unanimously formed 
a non-importation afr'reement similar to those previously 
adopted at tlie north. In a few weeks, the example ol" 
Virginia was followed by most of the southern colonies. 

50. To the citizens of Boston, the troops quartered 
among tliem were a painful aad irritating spectacle. 
Quarrels occurring daily between them and the populace, 
increased tlie animosity of ea ;h to ungovernable natred. 
At length, on the evening of the fifth of ]\Iarch, an affray 
took place in King-street, [sinc« called State-street,] in 



138 REVOIiUTlON. [1770 

which a detachment of the troops commanded by captain 
Preston, after bein;^ insulted, pelted witli snow-balls, and 
dared to fire, dischartred tJieir muskets upon the multitude, 
killing' four persons and wounding others. 

51. The drums were instantly beat to arms, and several 
thousand people assembled, who, enraged by the sight of 
the dead bodies of their fellow citizens, slam in a cause 
dear to them all, prepared to attack a larger detachment, 
which had been sent to support their comrades. In this 
state of excitement, Ujey were addressed by lieutenant- 

fovcrnor Hutchinson, who appeared in the midst of thern. 
'hout^h personally obnoxious, he calmed tlieir fury, and 
prevailed upon tliem to disperse until morning. 

52. The next day, captain Preston and his party were 
arrested and committed to prison. The citizens met and 
appointed a committee to demand the immediate removal 
of tlia troops from the town. At this meeting Samuel 
Adams, an inflexible patriot, was distinguished for hia 
decision and boldness. After some hesitation, on the part 
of tlie commanding officer, they were sent to castle Wil 
liam, and were accompanied by several officers of the 
customs 'who dreaded the indignation of the people. 

58. Tiiree days afterwards, tlie funeral of the deceased 
look place. It was conducted with great pomp, and unusual 
ceremonies, expressive of the public feeling. The shopa 
were closed. The bells of Boston, Roxbury, and Charles- 
town were tolled. Four processions, moving from difierent 
parts of the town, met at the fatal spot, and proceeded 
tlience towards the place of intennent. This united pro- 
cession comprised an immense number of people on foot 
and in carriages, all displaying the deepest griet and indig- 
nation. The bodies were deposited together in the same 
vault. 

54. When the passions of the people had in some degree 
subsided, captain Preston and his soldiers were brought to 
trial. They were deiended by John Adams and .losiah 
Quincy, two able lawyers, and distinguished leaders of 
tlie popular party. For nearly six weekS; the court were 
employed in examining witnesses, and in listening to the 
arguments of counsel. Captain Preston, not having 
ordered his men to lire, was acquitted by the jury. Of 
tlie soldiers, six were also a iquitted, there being no positive 
testimony tliat tiiey fired upon tlie people ; and two were 
acquittea of murder, as great provocation waa offered, but 



1772.1 REVOLUTION. 13J) 

found guilty of manslaughter — a result evincing the integ- 
rity of Uie lury and tlie magnanimity and uprightness of 
Uie counsel for the accused, 

55. While tiiese events were occuning in the colonies, 
an attempt, supported by tlie prime minister, was made in 
England, to repeal all tlie laws for raising a reveriue in 
America. The parliament, witli a mixture of timidity and 
obstinacy, characteristic of the councils of the nation at 
limt period, relinquished all tiie duties but tliat on tea, and 
this tiicy unwisely retained to assert and display their 
supremacy over die colonies. 

5(1 This partial repeal produced no change in the senti- 
ments of tlie peojple. By rendering the contest more 
clearly a contest of principle, it sanctified tli6.r conduct in 
tlieir own view, and ennobled it in tliat of the world. 
The non-importation atrreements, however, were made to 
correspond wiUi tlie altered law. Tea only was to be 
e-tcluded from tlie country ; and this article of luxury waa 
banished from the tables of all who were friendly to Amer- 
ican rights. 



CHAPTER XVL 
REVOLUTION. 

Thk years 1771 and 1772 were not distinguished by any 
nnportant event The southern colonies, more agricultiu-al 
tlian commercial, suffered but little from the operation of 
the laws of trade, and, havirig mostly popular governors, 
continued tranquH. In Alassachusetts, various causes 
Contributed to increase the discontent which previously 
existed. Governor Hutchinson, having adjourned tlie 
general court to Salem, refused, notwitiistanding reiterated 
remonstrances, to permit tliem to return to Boston. He 
withdrew the provincial troops from the castle and sup- 
pi ieu their place witii regulars, as tlie British troops were 
tlien called. He declined receiving his salary from tiie 
colonial treasury, stating tliat his majesty had assigned to 
him, and also to the judges, permanent and honorable 
salaries, to be paid in Great Britain. These measures 
were higlily unpopular, and especially the last, which re- 
leased those officers from all dependence on the people. 

a. To a^ertain the senUnaftnta of tbjo inhahkaat»; to 



140 REVOLUTION. fl77a 

enlifflitcn the remotest parts of the province by diffusuig 
intelligence, and distributing' political essays ; and to pro- 
duce concert in measures, James Warren and Samuel 
Adams suggested and procured the appointment, in every 
town, of committees of correspondence. By tlie agency 
of these, resolutions and addresses, sometimes inflamma- 
tory and always spirited, were speedily conveyed through 
the country, arousing the attention of all and exhorting to 
perseverance in tlie cause of liberty. This example was 
soon after followed in other colonies ; and in 177 J, at the 
suggestion of the Virginia assembly, standing committees 
•were appointed, by the colonial legislatures, to correspond 
with each other. This institution, when more active 
opposition became necessary, Avas found extremely useful. 

3. In this year, Dr. Franklin obtained in London a 
number of original letters from governor Hutchinson, 
lieutenant-governor Oliver and otliers, to tlieir correspon- 
dents in parliament. In these letters, the o{)position m 
Massachusetts was stated to be confined to a tew factious 
individuals, who had been emboldened by the weakness of 
llie means used to restrain tiiem. Measures more vigorous 
were recommended : and tlie ministry were urged to talce 
from tlie people and exercise themselves tiie power of 
appointing counsellors and all colonial magistrates. These 
letters he transmitted to Boston. 

4. The source and occasion of the offensive proceedings 
of parliament were now disclosed. The passions of the 
people were highly inflamed, and the weight of popular 
indignation fell upon the autJiors of tliese letters. The 
central committee of correspondence, at Boston, sent 
printed copies, enclosed in a spirited circular, to all the 
towns in uie province. And tlie general court, in several 
resolutions which were also publislied, animadverted with 
severity upon the misrepresentations and advice contained 
in the letters, thus increasing tlie irritation which tlieir 
discovery and perusal had occasioned. 

5. Meanwhile tlie tea of the East India Company, not 
findmg a market in America, accumulated in their ware- 
houses in England. Encouraged by tlie government, they 
resolved to export it on their own account, and appointed 
consignees in tlie various seaports in the colonies. Those 
in Philadelphia were induced, by the disapprobation ex- 
pressed by the citizens, to decline tlieir appointment. In 
NoAv York, spirited handbills were chculated menacing 
with imi every peraoa who should be concerned in vending 



1773.1 REVOLUTION. 141 

tea, and requmng tlie pilots, at tlieir peril, not to conduct 
fihips, loaded witli that article, into the liarboi Intinndated 
by these proceediiTgs, tne cnptains of the tea shipa, bound 
tx) tliose ports, returned with their cargoes to EnMand. 

(J. In t^oston, inflammatory handbiUs were also circu- 
lated, and meetings held ; but the consi^ees, being- mostly 
relatives of the govern'^ir, and relying on liis support, refused 
to decline their appointments. Their refusal ema^ed the 
citizens, and the community became agitated by the ope- 
ration of hic^hlv excited passions. Meetings were more 
frequently heldl. The conunittcos of correspondence Avere 
every where active. The people of tJte country exhorted 
tlieir bretliren in Boston to act worthy of their former 
character, worthy of "Sons of Liberty," upon whose con- 
duct, in the present emergency, every tiling depended. 

7. On the 2i*tli of November, a skip, laden with tea, 
came into tlie harbor. Notifications were immediately 
posted up, inviting every friend to his country to meet 
fbrtiiwith and concert united resistance to the arbitrary 
measures of Britain. A crowded meeting was held, and 
a resolution adoj)ted, "tJiat tlie tea should not be landed, 
that no duty should be paid, and that it should be Bent 
back in the same vessel. A watch was also organized 
to prevent it from being secretly broiiglit on shore. 

c. A short time was tlien allowed for the captiiin to 
prepare to return home witli liis cargo. Governor Hutch 
inson refused to grant him the requisite pemiission to 
pass the castle. Otlier vessels, laden with tea, arrived. 
The agitation increased, and on tlie I8tli of December, the 
inhabitants of Boston and the adjoining towns assembled 
to determine what course should be pursued. At tliis 
important meeting, Josiah Quincy, desirous that tlie con- 
sequences of the measures to be adopted should be first 
eenously contemplated, tiius addressed his fellow citizens. 

9. " It is not Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapors 
x^itliin these walls that will sustain us in the hour of need. 
The proceedings of this day will call forth events which 
will make a very different spirit necessary for our salvation. 
Whoever supposes tliat shouts and hosannas will termi- 
nate our trials, entertains a childish fancy. We must be 
grossly ignorant of the value of tlie prize for which we 
contend ; we must be equally ignorant of the power of 
tliose who have combined against us ; we must be blind 
to that inveterate malice and insatiable revenge which 
actuate oui enemies, abroad and in our bosom, tonope that 



142 REVOLUTION. [1774 

we shall end lliis controversy without the sharpest conflicts 
■ — or to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, popular 
harangues, and popular acclamations, Mill vanquish our 
foes. Let us consi-Ier the issue ; let us look to the end ; 
let us weiffh and -..-ii berate, before we advance to those 
measures ^vhich must bring- on the most trying and terrible 
struggle this country ever saw." 

10. In the evening the question was put, " Do you abide 
by your fomier resolution to prevent the landing of the tea ? " 
l''he vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Application 
was again made to the governor for a pass. After a short 
delay, Ins refusal wjis communicatea to the assembly. 
Instantly a porsop, disguised like an Indian, gave the war 
whoop from tlie gallery. At this signal, the people rushed 
out of the house and hastened to the wharves. About 
twenty persons, in the dress of Mohawks, boarded the 
vessels, and, protected by the crowd on shore, broke open 
tliree hundred and forty-two chests of tea. and emptied 
their contents into the ocean. Their purpose accomplished, 
the multitude returned without tumult to tlieir habitations. 

1 J . These proceedings excited the anger of parliament 
and the displeasure of the British nation. Punishment, 
not a change of measures, was resolved upon. An act, 
closing the port of Boston, and removing the custom-house 
to Salem, was passed, and was to continue in force until 
compensation should be made for the tea destroyed ; an- 
other act was passed, taking from the o-eneral court and 
givijig to the crown the appointment oi counsellors ; and 
general Gage was made governor in the place of Mr. 
Hutchinson. 

12. Intelligence of the Boston port-bill occasioned a 
meeting of the citizens of the town; they were sensible 
that " the most trying and terrible struggle " was indeed 
now approaching, but felt unawed by its terrors. They 
sought not to shelter themseives from the storm by sub- 
mission, but became more resolute as it increased. They 
declared the act to be unjust and inhuman, and invited 
their brethren in the otlier colonies to unite witli them in 
a general non-importation aCToement. 

13. A similar spirit pervaded and animated tlie whole 
country. Addresses trom the adjacent towns, and from 
every part of the continent, were sent to tlie citizens of 
Boston, applauding their resolution, exhorting them to 
perseverance, and assuring them tliat they were consid^ied 
as sufiering in a common cause. In Virginia, the first day 



1774.] REVOLUTION. 143 

of June, when the law beffan to operate, was observed as a 
public and solemn fast. With devout feelings, tlie divine 
nitcrposition was implored, in all the churches, to avert tlie 
evils of civil war, and to give to the people one heart and 
one mind, firmly to oppose every invasion of tlieir liberty. 

14. The same day was observed, with similar solemnity, 
m most of the other colonies ; and thus an opportunity 
was presented to tlie ministers of tlie gospel to dispense 
political instruction, to paint, in vivid colors, the sufferings 
of tlie citizens of Boston, and to warn their congregations, 
that, should Great Britain succeed in her schemes, tlie 
danger to their religious would be as great as to their civil 
priv^eges ; that a tame submission to the -will of parlia- 
ment would inevitably be followed by bishops, tithes, test 
acts, and ecclesiastical tribunals. 

15. The sufferings of the inhabitants of Boston were 
mdeed severe. Nearly all were compelled to be idle. 
Many, by loss of employment, lost their sole means of 
support In this extremity, contributions in money and 
provisions were forwarded to them from all the colonies, 
as proofs of sympathy in their distresses, and of approba- 
tion of tlieir having met and manfully withstood the first 
shock of arbitrary power. 

16. Gradually and constantly had the minds and feelings 
of the Americans been preparing for this important crisis. 
That enthusiastic patriotism whicn elevates tlie soul above 
all considerations of interest or danger had now become 
their ruhng passion. The inhabitants of Salem spurned 
advantages to be derived from tlie punishment inflicted on 
a sister town, for its zeal in a sacred and common cause. 
" We must," said tliey, in a remonstrance to the governor 
"be dead to every idea of justice, lost to all feehngs of 
humanity, could we indulge one thought to seize on 
wealth, and raise our fortunes from the ruin of our suffer- 
ing neighbors." 

17. In June, the general court assembled at Salem, and 
among their first acts were, the recommendation of a 
continental congress, which had been suggested by tlie 
committee of correspondence in Virginia, and the choice 
of delegates to attend it. While engaged, with closed 
doors, in this business, governor Gage, who had received 
a private intimation of their purposes, dissolved the court 
by a proclamation which was read upon the steps. In 
ail laO other colonies, except Georgia, aelegates were also 
chosen. 



144 REVOLCTIOxN. [1774. 

18. On the 5th of September, tliese delegates met at 
Philadelphia, Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was unani- 
mously elected president, and Charles Thompson, secre- 
tary. ' It v.as determined that each colony should have but 
one vote, whatever migrht be the number of its deputies, 
and tfiat all their transactions, except such as they might 
resolve to publish, should be kept inviolably secret. 

19. Resolutions were then adopted, expressing the 
Bympa.tl^iy of congress in the sufferings of their countrymen 
iai Massachusetts, and highly approving the wisdom and 
fortitude of their conduct. They also resolved that the 
importation of goods from Great Britain should cease on 
tlie first day of Uie succeeding December, and all exports 
to ti^iat country on the 10th of September, 1775, unless 
American grievances should be sooner redressed. These 
resolutions possessed no legal force, but never were laws 
more faithfully observed. 

20. In otlier resolutions, they enumerated certain rights, 
■which, as men and English subjects, " they claimrd, de- 
manded, and insisted on ;" and recounted numerous viola- 
tions of those rights by parliament. Addresses to the 
people of Great Britain, to the inhabitants of Canada, and 
to tlieir constituents, were prepared and published ; and on 
affectionate petition to the king was agreed upon. 

21. In these able and important state papers, the claims, 
principles, and feelings of their constituents are clearly 
and eloquently set forth. They glow with the love oi 
liberty ; they display a determir-^tion, too firm to be shaken, 
to defend and preserve it at every hazard; they contain 
the strongest professions of attachment to the mother 
country, and ot loyalty to the king. A desire of indepen- 
dence is expressly disavowed. "Place us," says tlie 
conjrress, "in tl^e situation we were in, at the close of 
the last war, and our fonner harmony will be restored." 
"We aak," say tliey in their petition, "but for peace^ 
liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the 
prerogative, nor do we solicit tlie grant of any new right 
m our favor. Your royal authority over us, and our con- 
nection witJi Gre<it Britain, we shall always carefully and 
zealously endeavor to support and maintain." 

22. Tnese papers, going forth to the world, made tlie 
cause of the colonies known throughout Europe, and con- 
ciliated Uiose who had embraced hberal principles in 
politics, or felt displeasure at tlie pride and haughtiness of 
Britain. Their tone of manly energy, and the Knowledge 



1774.^ REVOLUTION. 145 

they displayed of political ecience, excited universaj ap 
plause and "admiration. 

23. "When your lordships," said Mr. Pitt, in the 
British senate, "nalfe perused the papers transmitted to 
us from America; when you consider the dignity, tho 
firmness, and tiie wisdom, with which the Americans 
iiave acted, you cannot but respect their cause. History, 
my lords, has been my favorite study ; and m the cele- 
brated writing's of antiquity I have often admired the 
patriotism of Greece and llome ; but, my lords, I must 
declare and avow, that in the master states of tlie world, 
I laiow not the people nor the senate, who, in sucJi a 
complication of difficult circumstances, can stind in pref- 
erence to the delegates of America assembled, in general 
congress, at Philadelphia. I trust tliat it is obvious to 
your lordships, that all attempts to impose servitude upon 
such men, to establish despotism over such a mignty 
continental nation, must be vain, must be futile." 

24. In America, the proccv^-dings of congress were read 
•with enthusiasm and veneration. Tiieir reasonbigs con 
finned the conviction, strongly felt by nearly the whole 
people, of the perfect justice of tbeir cause. ' In tlie ad- 
dress to themselves, tliey were admonished " to extend 
their views to mournful events, and to be in all respects 
prepared for every contingency." Great efforts were 
consequently made to provide arms and all, the munitions 
of war. Independent companies were formed ; voluntary 
training., were frequent ; the old arwi tlie young, the rich 
and the poor, devoted tJieir hours of amusement and of 
leisure, to exercises calculated to fit tliem to act a part in 
the anticipated conflict The country was alive with the 
bustle of preparation, and in every countenance could be 
read the expectation of important transactions, in which 
all must participate. 

25. Complete unanimity, however, did not exist Some 
of the late emigrants from England, the most of those 
who held offices oy her appointment, many whose timidity 
magnified her power, clung to her authority, and as the 
crisis approached, declared themselves her adherents. 
These were denominated tories ; the friends of liberty, 
whigs — names by which the advocates of arbitrary power, 
and tlie friends of constitutional liberty, were distinguished 
in England. 

26. General Gage, who had been recently appointed 
governor of Massachusetts, withdrew, from other posts on 

13 



14f. REVOLUTION. [177a 

the continent, several regiments of troops, and encamped 
them on the common, in Boston. He afterwards erected 
fortifications on the Neck, a narrow istJimus which unites 
the town with the main land ; and on the night of the first 
of September, he seized the powder deposited in the pro- 
vmcial arsenal at Cambridge. 

27. The people, meanwhile, were not idle. They ap- 
pointed delegates to a provincial congress, which as- 
sembled in the beginning of October. Mr. Hancock was 
chosen president, and the delegates resolved, that, for tlie 
defence of the province, a military force, to consist of one 
fourth of the militia, should be organized and stand ready 
to march at a minute's warning ; that money should be 
raised to purchase military stores ; and they appointed a 
committee of supplies, ana a committee of safety, to sit 
daring the recess. 

28. The more soutliem provinces, particularly Pennsyl- 
vania, Virginia, and Maryland, displayed the same love of 
liberty and aetermination to resist ; provincial congresses 
were convened, committees appomted, and resolutions 
passed, designed and adapted to anunate those wlio, in 
Massachusetts, stood m the post of danger, and to excite 
m all hearts that devotion to country which is alone 
capable of sustaining a people in an arduous struggle with 
a superior foe. 

29. In the parliament of Great Britain, American 
aifairs came on to be discussed, in the beginning of the 
year 1775. Several plans of conciliation were brought 
forward by the opposition and rejected ; but one, proposed 
by lord Nortii, the prime minister, was adopted. The 
purport of it was, tliat if any colony would engage to 
contribute a sum satisfactory to his majesty, for the com- 
mon defence, the parliament would forbear to tax that 
colony so long as the contribution was punctually paid. 
Tills plan conceded nothing. To weaken the colonies by 
dividing them was so evidently tlie object, that all in 
dignantly spurned the proflTered tenns. 

30. In connection with this conciliatory proposition, as 
it was called, measures of punishment and intimidation 
were adopted. The northern cobnies wf;re prohibited 
from fishing on tlie banks of Nevv^foundland, additional 
restrictions were imposed upon the trade of all of them, 
and several ships of the line and ten thousand troops, 
were sent to America. 

31. In the debates in parliament, tlie friends of the 



1775.] REVOLUTION A^RY WAR. 147 

colonies, although few, were animated in their praise and 
eloquent in their defence. The adlierentsof the ministry 
mdulged in the grossest abuse and ridicule. The Amen- 
cans, they said, were naturally cowards, habitually lazy, 
and constitutionally feeble; tlicy were incapable oi disci- 
pline ; and a small force would be sufficient to conquer 
them. This ignorance of their character, which was 
general throughout England, doubtless caused the ministry 
to persist in measures which, had tlieir infonnation been 
correct, they would never have ventured to undertake. 

32. On tl\e evening of the 18th of April, general Gage 
despatclied from Boston a body of eight huncfred troops, to 
destroy a quantity of provisions and military stores de- 
posited, by the committee of supplies, at Coiicord. Intel- 
ligence of tliis movement was sent to Lexington and 
Concord a few hours before tlie troops embarked The 
ringing of bells and tlie firing of signal guns brought the 
minute-men together. Early the next morning, those of 
Lexington assembled on the green near the meeting-house. 
A few minutes afterwards, the advanced body of tlie regu- 
lars approached within musket shot Major Pitcaim, 
riding forward, exclaimed, " Disperse, you rebels ; throw 
down your arms and disperse." Not being instantly 
obeyed, he discharged his pistol and ordered his men to 
fire. They fired and killed several. The militia dispersed ; 
but the firing continued. In the whole, eight were killed, 
some of whom were shot in tlieir concealment behind the 
fences. 

3Ji The detachment proceeded to Concord. The minute- 
men of that town had also assembled ; but, being few in 
number, they retired on the approach of the regulars. 
These entered the town and destroyed the provisions and 
stores. The minute-men were reinforced, and advanced 
again towards the regulars. A skinnish ensued, in which 
captain Davis, of Acton, was killed. The British trooi>3 
were compelled to retreat, leaving behind them several 
killed and wounded. 

34. The whole country was now in arms, and the troops 
retreated with precipitation. The miiitia not only pressed 
upon their rear, but placed themselves singly behind trees 
and stone walls, and, from these secure coverts, fired upon 
them as they passed. At Lexington they met a reinforce- 
ment under lord Percy, which general Gage had despatched 
on receiving infonnation of the occurrences there in thQ 
morning. 



I4S REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775. 

35. After resting a moment, the whole body proceeded 
towards Boston. In tlicir progress they were more and 
more liarussed by the provin€ials, whose number hourly 
increased, and who became in proportion more adventurous. 
Having an intimate Imowledge of all the roads, tliey could 
pursue with less fatigue, and meet the enemy unexpectedly 
at the various windings ; and being all experienced marks- 
men, their shots seldom failed of effect. At sunset, the 
regulars, almost overcome with fatigue, passed alon:: 
Charlestown Neck, and found, on Bunker's Hill, a place 
of security and repose. 

•36. In tliis engagement, sixty-five of the royal forces 
were killed, one hundred and eighty wounded, and twenty- 
eight made prisoners. Of the provincials, fifty v/ere killed 
thirty-four were wounded, and four were missing. Tlie 
3dlled were lamented and honored as the first martyrs in 
the cause of liberty. In the various sections of country 
from which they came, hatred of Greot Britain took still 
deeper root ; and New England, connected more than any 
other part of the world, as one great family, by tlie closest 
intimacy of all the inliabitants, universally felt the depriva- 
tion with a mixed feeling of sorrow and rage. 

37. Intelligence of the battle of Lexington spread rapidly 
through Massachusetts, and the adjoining provinces. The 
farmer left his plough in the furrow, tlie mechanic dropped 
the utensil in his hand, and seizing their arms, all hastened 
to the environs of Boston. In a few days, a large anny 
was assembled, which, imder the command of general 
Ward, of Massachusetts, and general Putnam, of Connec- 
ticut, closely invested the town, and alanned general Gage 
for the safety of his garrison. 

38. In tlie remoter provinces, the intellhrence was con- 
sidered of solemn and alanning- import. Tlie ^reat drama 
was opened, and the part which each should take must 
immediately be chosen. By many a resort to anns had 
never been anticipated. To tliem, the decision was more 
painful ; but all the colonies, except Georgia, adopted at 
once the heroic resolution to unite tlieir fortunes with 
those of New England. 

39. Connecticut hnd poured forth her full proportion of 
hardy yeomanry to man tlie fines around Boston ; but 
several, who remained at homo, conceived the project of 
surprising Ticonderoga, a fortified post on tlie western 
shore of lake Champlain, and commanding the entrance 
into Canada. They etJjnmiuncated their design to colonel 



1775.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 149 

EUian Allen, of Vermont, who, upon their arrival at Cas- 
tleton with forty men, met them there at the head of two 
hundred and tlnrty Green Mountain boys. Tlie next day, 
capt<ain Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut, who, upon the 
first alann, had hastened to Boston, arrived from that 
place, having conceived the same project, and been author- 
ized, by the committee of safety in Massachusetts, to 
undertaJ':* it. 

40. Allen and Arnold, at the head of the Green Mountain 
boys, hastened to Ticonderoga, and the remainder of the 

Sarty to Skeensborough. On the night of the ninth of 
lay, about eighty, all that the boats could carry, crossed 
the lake, and, at dawn of day, landed near the fortress. 
They advanced to the gateway. A sentinel snapped hia 
fusee at colonel Allen and retreated. The Americans, 
following, found the commander in bed. Colonel Allen 
demanded tlie surrender of the fort " By what authority 
do you demand it?" "In the name," replied Allen, "of 
the' Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." The 
British officer, having but fifty men, saw that resistance 
would be v;iin, and agreed to surrender. 

41. When the remainder of the party arrived, they were 
despatched, under colonel Seth Warner, to take possession 
of Crown Point ; and Arnold, hastily manning a schooner, 
sailed to capture a sloop of war lying at tlie outlet of the 
lake. These two expeditions, as well as tliat against 
SkeensboroupTi, were successful ; and thus was obtained, 
without blooclshed, the command of those important posts, 
together with more than one hundred pieces of cannon, 
and other munitions of war. The unexpected news of 
this brilliant success imparted liigh courage and animation 
lo the Americans. 

42. Most of the militia, who had repaired to Boston, 
returned soon after to their homes, but a sufficient nmnber 
remained, posted near the Neck, to prevent the British 
from leaving the town by land. Between detachments 
from these and parties of regulars, who were oft^n sent to 
collect forage on the islands in the harbor, frequent skir- 
xnishes took place, in most of which the Americans were 
successful. 

43. In tiie beginning of June, several transports, filled 
with troops, commanded by generals Howe, Clinton, and 
Burgoyne, arrived from England, and general Gage began 
to act with more decision and vigor. He issued a procla- 
mation declaring those in arras, and all who aided thenL 

f3» 



150 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775 

rebels and traitors, and threatened to punish tliem as such. 
unless they immediately returned to their peaceful occu- 
pations. He promiseu his majesty's parclon to all who 
should in this m.anner give proof of theu- repentance and 
amendniont, excepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, 
whose crimes, he alleged, were too flagitious to admit of 
pardon. 

44. This proclamation, and the arrival of the troops, far 
from dismaying, aroused the people to greater activity and 
watchfulness. Again the militia assemBled and surrounded 
Boston. UnAviilingto endure the inconvenience and disgrace 
of this confinement, general Gage made preparation to 
penetrate, with a portion of his army, into the country 
To prevent this, the provincial generals resolved to occupy 
Bunker's Hill, an eminence in Charlestown, situated on a 
penmsula that approaches near to Boston. 

45. On the evening of tlie 3()th ot June, a tliousand men, 
under the command of colonel Prescot, of Massachusetts, 
colonel Stark, from New Hampshire, and captam Knowlton. 
from Connecticut, were despatched on this service. Tl/cy 
were conducted, by nnstake, to Breed's Hill, which was 
nearer to the water and to Boston, tlian Bunker's. At 
twelve o'clock they began to throw up entrenchments, 
and by daM'n of day had completed a redoubt eight rods 
square. As soon as they were discovered, they were fired 
upon from a ship of war and several floating batteries lying 
near, and from a Ibrtification in Boston opposite the redoubt. 
The Americans,nevertheless, encouraged by general Put- 
nam, who often visited them on the hill, continued to labor 
until they had finished a slight breastwork extending from 
the redoubt eastward to the water. And in the morning 
thev received a reinfOTcement of five hundred men. 

4G. The temerity of the provincials astonished and 
incensed general (jage, and he determined to drive them 
immediately from their position. About noon, a body of 
tliree thousand regulars, commanded by general Howe, 
jefl Boston in boats, and landed in Charlestown, at the 
extreme point of the peninsula. Generals Clinton and 
Burguyne took their station on an eminence in Boston, 
commanding a distinct view of the liill. The spires of 
the churches, the roofs of the houses, and all tlie heights 
m the neighborhood, were covered with people, waitmg 
in dreadful anxiety, to witness tJie approaching battle. 

47. Tire regulars, forming at tiie place of landing 
marched slowly up the hill, halting frequently to allow 



1775.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 151 

time to the artillery to demolish the works. While ad- 
vancing, the village of CharlestoAvn, containing about four 
hundred houses, was set on fire by order of general Gage. 
The flames ascended to a lofty height, presenting a sublime 
and magnificent spectacle. The Americans reserved their 
fire until the British were within ten rods of the redoubt ; 
then, taking a steady aim, they beo-an a furious discharge. 
Entire ranks of the assailants fell. The enemy halted 
and returned the fire ; but tliat from the redoubt continuing 
incessant and doing great execution, they retreated in haste 
and disorder down the hill, some even taking refuge in 
their boats. 

48. The officers were seen running hither and thither, 
collecting, arranging and addressinf' their men, who were 
at length induced again to ascend tlie hill. The Ameri- 
cans now reserved their fire until tlie enemy had approached 
even nearer than before, when a tremendous volley was 
at once poured upon tliem. Terrified by the carnage around 
them, they again retreated with precipitation, and such 
was the panic, that general Ho^ve was left almost alone 
on the hill side, his troops having deserted him, and nearly 
every ofUcer around hiui bein^ killed. 

49. At this moment, general Clinton, who had observed 
from Boston the progress of the battle, feeling that British 
honor was at stake, hastened with a reinforcement to the 
assistance of his countrymen. By his exertions, tiie troops 
were a third time rallied, and wore compelled by the olii- 
cers, who marched behind them with drawn swords, to 
advance a^ain towards the Americans. The fire from the 
ships and batteries was redoubled, and a few pieces of 
cannon had been so placed as to rake the interior of the 
breastwork from end to end. 

50. The provincials, having expended their ammunition, 
awaited in silence the approach of the regulars. The 
latter entered the redoubt. The former, having no 
bayone'ts, defended themselves, for a short time, with the 
butt end of their muskets. From this unequal contest 
they were soon compelled to retire. As they retreated 
over Charlestown Neck, the fire from tlie floating batte- 
ries was incessant; but, providentially, a few omy were 
killed. The enemy had sustained too much injury to tliink 
of pursuit. 

51. In this desperate and bloody conflict, the royal forces 
consisted, as has been stated, of three thousand men, and 
the provincials of but fifleen hundred. Of the former, one 



152 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775. 

thousand and fifty-four were killed and wounded ; of the 
latter, four hundred and fifty-three. This disparity of 
loss, the steadiness and bravery displayed by their recent, 
undisciplined levies, occasioned among the Americans the 
highest exultation, and, in their view, more than counter- 
balanced tlie loss of position. If this is a British victory, 
how many such victories, they triumphantly asked, can 
their army achieve Mithout ruin ? 

52. But 'deep and heart-felt sorrow was intermingled 
with their rejoicings. Among the Idlled was doctor 
Warren, a patriot, who, at an early period, had espoused 
with warmth the cause of freedom ; who had displayed 
great intrepiciity in several skirmishes ; had four days be- 
fore been elected major-general ; and had, on the fatal day, 
hastened to the field of battle, to serve Jiis country as a 
volunteer. For his many virtues, his eleg-ant manners, hia 
generous devotion to his country, his hign attainments in 
political science, he was beloved and respected by his re- 
publican associates ; and to him their affections pointed as 
a future leader, in a cause dear to their hearts," and inti- 
mately connected wifJi their glory. 

5S. In the midst of these military transactions, a conti- 
nental cono-ress assembled at Philadelphia. It comprised 
delegates from twelve colonies, all of whom were animated 
with a determined spirit of opposition to parliamentary 
taxation. A majority, iiowever, had not yet formed the 
hardy resolution to separate from the mother country, and 
aim at independence. The measures partook of the oppo- 
site feelings of the members. Mr. Hancoclt, the proscribed 
patriot, was chosen president ; they resolved tliat another 
humble petition for redress of grievances, should be pre- 
sented to the king ; but they also resolved that means of 
defence should be immediately prepared, and proceeded to 
the choice of officers to command their united forces. 

54. To induce the friends of liberty in the southern 
provinces, to embark more warmly in the cau?^ of resist- 
ance, the northern delegates determined U, give their 
suffrages, for a commandHr-in-^hie*" to a person residing 
in tliat quarter. Fortunately one was found eminently 
qualified for the office. By unanimous vote of the congress, 
George Washingto.n, then present as delegate from Vir- 
ginia^ was elected. He had served, with high reputation, 
m the late war with France; was distinguished ■^n his 
native province for his military knowledge, his great 
we« itii, the dignity of his deportment, his unsuspected 



1775.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 153 

integrity, and his ardent attachment to the interestfl of his 
country. 

55. The president, addressing him in his seat, announced 
to hini the choice which the concrress had made. Wash- 
mgton declared his acceptance with a diffidence which 
gave to Ms great talents a brighter lustre ; and assured 
congress that, as no pecuniary compensation could have 
tempted him to accept the office, at the sacrifice of hia 
domestic ease and happiness, he would receive no pay, and 
would ask only the remuneration of his expenses. Arte- 
mas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Put- 
nam, were then chosen major-generals, and Horatio Gates 
adjutant-general. Lee had lately held the office of colonel, 
and Gates that of major, in tlie British army. 

56. Congress also resolved that, for defraying the ex- 
panses winch might be incurred, bills of credit, or paper 
money, to the amount of three millions of dollars, shoidd 
be issued, and pledged the colonies for their redemption. 
A solcnm and dignified declaration, setting fortn the 
causes and necessity of taking up arms, was prepared to 
be published to the army in orders, and to the people from 
the pulpit. After particularizing the aggressions of Great 
Britain, with the energy of men feeling unmerited injury, 
tliey exclaim : 

57. " But AV'hy should we enumerate our injuries in de- 
tail ? By one statute it is declared that parliament can of 
right make laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever. What 
is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a power? 
Not a single man of those Avho assume it, was chosen by 
us, or is subject to our control or influence ; but, on the 
contrary, tliey are all of them exempt from the operation 
of such laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted 
from tlie ostensible purposes for which it is raised, would 
actually lighten their own burdens, m proportion as it in- 
creases ours. We saw the misery to which such despot- 
ism would reduce us. We, for ten years, mcessantly and 
ineffiictually besieged the throne as supplicants ; we rea- 
soned, we remonstrated witli parliament in tlie most mild 
and decent language. 

58. " We are now reduced to the alternative of choosing 
an unconditional submission to the Avill of irritated minis- 
ters, or resistance by force. The latter is our choice. 
We have counted the cost of tliis contest, and find nothing 
so dreadfu4 as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, ana 
humanity forbid us tamely to surrender tliat freedom which 



154 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. []775 

we received from our g^allant ancestors, and which our 
innocent, posterity have a ri;^ht to receive from us. We 
cannot endure the infamy and ^ifnilt of resig-ning" succeeding 
generations to that wretcheihicss which mevitably aAvaits 
Qiem if we basely entail hereditary bondag-e upon them. 

59. " Our cause is just ; our union is perfect Our 
internal resources are great; and, if necessary, foreign 
assistance is undoubtedly attainable. We gratefully ac- 
knowledg-e, as a signal instance of the divine'favor towards 
us, that his providence woidd not permit us to be called 
into tliis severe controversy, until we were grown up to 
our present strength, had been previously exercised in war- 
like operations, and possessed the means of defending 
ourselves. 

(50. " With hearts fortified by these animating reflections, 
we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that 
exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which our 
beneficent Creator hatli graciously bestowed, the arms Ave 
have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, 
in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and 
perseverance, emplcv for the preservation of our liberties, 
being, with one mind, resolved to die freemen rather tJian 
to live slaves." 

61. Soon after his election, general Washington, accom- 
panied by general Lee, and several other gentlemen, set 
out for the camp at Cambridge. In eveiy place through 
which he passed, he received the highest honors. A com- 
mittee from the provincial congress of Massachusetts, met 
him at Springfield, and conducted him to he ad -quarters, 
where another committee presented him a respectful and 
affectionate address. 

(32. He found the army, consisting of fourteen thousand 
men, posted on the heiglits around Boston, forming a line 
which extended from Roxbury on the right, to the river 
Mystic on the left, a distance of tAvelve miles. The 
troops Avere ardently devoted to the cause of liberty, but 
destitute of discipline, averse to subordination, without 
poAvder, Avithout tents, and Avithout most of the conveni- 
ences usually provided for regular armies. 

68. With the assistance of general Gates, he introduced 
some degree of regularity and system. Several barrels of 
poAvder were obtained from Ncav Jersey, and captain Manly, 
commander of the privateer Lee, captured an ordnance 
ship, containing arms, ammunition, and a complete assort- 
ment of such working tools as were most needed in the 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 155 

American camp. This providentiaJ capture was folloAvcd 
by others, which supphed the most pressing wants of the 
army, enabled it to continue, tiirough tlie year, tiie block- 
ade of Boston, and contributed greatly to distress tlie 
enemy, for whose use tlie cargoes were destined. 

64. Events occuiTiiiff this year^ in the southern colonies, 
still further weakened^ tiie attachment of the people to 
Great Britain. In Virginia, lord Dunmorc, the governor, 
seized, by night, some powder belonging to tlie colony, and 
conveyed it on board a British ship in J'ames river. Intel 
ligence of this transaction reachm^ Patrick Henry, he 
placed himself at the head of the independent companies 
m his vicinity, and marched towards tlie seat of govern- 
ment, with tlie avowed purpose of obtaining, by force, 
restitution of tlie powder, or its value. He was met by a 
messenger, who paid him the value of the powder, when 
he and uie militia returned to their homes. 

65. Alarmed by tliis display of spirit and patriotism, 
lord Dunmore fortified liis palace. From this castle, he 
issued a proclamation, char^in<^ Henry and liis associates 
witli rebellious practices, which offended the people, who 
iiighly approved their conduct. Other causes increasing 
the popular ferment, he quitted his palace, and repaireu 
to a ship of war then lying at Yorktown. 

66. In November, he issued anotlier jiroclamation, offer- 
ing freedom to those slaves belonging to rebel masters, who 
should ioin his majesty's troops at Yorktown. Several 
hundred, in consequence, repaired to that place. A body 
of militia immediately assembled, and, while posted near 
the city, wore attacked witli great bravery, by the regulars, 
royalists, and negroes. The miliUa, repelling the attack 
with equal bravery, gained a decisive victory. Lord Dun- 
more then evacuated the city, and, followed by fids ^^'hite 
and black forces, sought refuge on board the ships of his 
majesty. Soon after Norfolk, set on fire by his order, was 
.iiostly consumed ; and its destruction was completed by the 
provincials, to prevent the enemy from deriving supplies 
from tliat quarter. 

67. The governor of North Carolina, following the ex- 
ample of lord Dunmore, fortified his palace at Newbem. 
This caused a connnotion a.mong the people, which induced 
him to retu-e on board a sliip in tlie harbor. While there, 
he made zealous exertions to organize a party in favor of 
the royal cause ; and a band of Scotch Highlanders, settled 
in the interior country, listened to his "persuasions. On 



156 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775 

their march to the sea coast, they were met by a party of 
militia, who attacked and dispersed tliem. TMs early 
victory secured the predommaiice of tlie whigs, and crushed 
the hopes and spirits of the tories. 

68. South Carolina had always, with great unanimity 
and zeal, resisted parliamentary taxation; and soon after 
tlie battle of Lexington, tlie governor, lord Wilham Camp- 
bell, apprehensive of danger to his person, retired frum 
the province. In July, Georgia chose delegates to the 
contmental congress, mcroasing to THiR'fEE>' the number 

of the UNITED COLONIES. 

69. The province of New York contained many wann 
advocates for freedom ; but its capital Imd so long been 
the head-quarters of the British army in America, that 
many of the principal inhabitants, having contracted inti- 
mate relations with British officers, had become devoted 
to tlie royal cause. TJie assembly, acting under their influ- 
ence, declined to choose delegates to tlie continental con-^ 
gress held in May, 1775; but tlie people, a majority of 
whom were actuated by different feelings, elected a pro- 
vincial congress, by whom those delegates Avere chosen. 

70. When intelligence of the battle of Lexinjrton reach- 
ed the city, captain Sears, an active and intrepid leader of 
the "sons of liberty," took eH^ctual measures to prevent 
vessels bound to ports in America, where tlie royal cause 
prevailed, from sailing. An association was also formed, 
consisting of one thousand of the principal inhabitants, 
who bound themselves to assist ui carrying into execution 
whatever measure miglit be recommended, by the conti- 
nental congress, to prevent tlie execution of the oppressive 
acts of the British parUamenu 

71. Tk? ministry, desirous of retaimrg m obedience 
^is important colony, appointed Mr. Tryon to be governor 
i>ver it. He had before filled the same ofhce ; was a man 
of address, and greatly beloved by the people. He came 
fully empowerea to gain adherents by dispensing promises 
and money at his discretion. The success of his mtrio-uea 
alarmed congress, who, having particular reference toliim, 
recommende'd that " all persons whose going at large might 
endanger tlie liberties of America, should be arrested and 
secured." Gaining early intellio-ence of tins, he also 
sought refuge on b^oard a ship in Oie harbor. 

7^. Although the autumn of 1775 was not distinguished 
Dy any brilliant exploit, yet the tune of confess, and of 
the commander-in-cliiof, m'US not unprofitably employed. 



1776.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. J57 

Constant attention was paid to the discipline of t^ie troops ; 
arrangements were made to obtain a supply of military 
stores : tlie building and equipment of a naval force was 
commenced ; two expeditions were organized and des- 
patcned against Canada, one by the way of lake Champlain, 
tlie other of the river Kennebec ; and general Lee, with 
twelve hundred volunteers from Connecticut, was directed 
to ptoceed to New York, and, with the aid of tlie inhab- 
itants, fortify the city and the hig'hlands. 

71). The abolition of all legal authority in tlie colonies 
was an evil for which, thoughtless than had been antici- 
pated, it Avas yet expedient to provide a remedy. New 
Hampshire applied to congress for advice on this subject 
A favorable opportunity was thus presented to tlie zealous 
patriots in congress, to propose a remedy for tlie evil, 
which should, at tlie same lime, exhibit in practice the 
fundamental principle of their political creed, that all 
legitimate authority must be derived from the people ; and 
should also prepare tlie way for tlieir darling object, a 
declaration of independence. 

74. A resolution was introduced, recommending tliat a 
convention of reprosontativos, fi-eely elected by tlie people 
of that colony, should be called, for the purpose of estab- 
lishing such a form of government as they might deem 
proper. It was warmly opposed by those memoers who 
were yet desirous of an accommodation with tlie mother 
country. An amendment being made, providing that the 
government established should continue in force no longer 
than tJie existing contest with Great Britain, the resolu- 
tion passed. Representatives were accordingly chosen, 
who, on the 5tli of January, 1776, adopted a wntten con- 
stitution, acknowledging no source of power but the peo- 
ple. In other colonies, the same course was soon atter- 
wards pursued. 

75. A transaction, displaying the, vindictive feelings of 
tlie British, occuiTed in October. The ministry had issued 
orders to the officers of the navy to proceed, as in the case 
of actual rebellion, against all the colonial seaports ac- 
cessible to sliips of war, which should discover symptoms 
of attachment to the cause of liberty. Falmouth, a flour- 
ishing town in Massachusetts, having given some particu- 
lar offence, its destruction, under color of these orders, 
was resolved on, and captain Mowatt, with four sMps, was 
despatched on that service. 

76. The citizens made an effort, by negotiation, to avert 

14 



158 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776. 

tJieir ruin ; but as the ternis which were offered could not 
be accepted without dishonor, they were at once rejected 
The bombardment immediately commenced, tlie town was 
set on fire, and four hundred buildings reduced to ashes. 
This wanton act of devastation was strongly reprobated 
throughout America, and served to mflame, rather tlian to 
intiimdate, the people. The town has since been rebuilt, 
its name changed to Portland, and it is now the capital of 
Maine. 

77. As the year 1775 drew near to a close, the condition 
of tlie army, employed in the blockade of Boston, engaged 
the attention of congress. A speedy adjustment of the 
dispute being at first expected, the men had been enlisted 
to serve only until the first of Januaiy. No prospect now 
appeared of an immediate accommodation. It was there- 
fore resolved to form a new army, to consist of twenty 
thousand men, and to be raised, as far as practicable, from 
the troops then in service. Unfortunately it was deter- 
mined, tnat the enlistments should be made for one year 
only, an error the consequences of which were afterwards 
very severely felt. 

78. It was supnosed that most of those whom patriotism 
had impelled to join tlie army, would continue in the 
service of their country; but when the experiment was 
made, it was foimd Uiat their ardor had considerably 
abated. The blockade of Boston presented no opportunity 
of acquirinp- glory, by deeds of noble daring ; tlie fatiguing 
duties of the camp wore upon their spirits, affected their 
healtli, and produced an unconquerable longing to revisit 
tfieir homes. Notwithstanding the great exertions of 
general Washington, no more tlian lialf the estimated 
number had been enlisted at the close of the year. 

79. The people and the troops, supposing the army to 
6e stronger than it was, expressed great dissatisfaction at 
the inactivity of the commander-in-chief, which some 
imputed to dishonorable motives. An attack upon Boston 
was loudly demanded. Wasiiington tliree times proposed 
it to a council of war ; but in every instance tlie decision 
was unanimous against it. At the last time, however, the 
council recommended that the town should be more closely 
invested. On the evening of the fourth of March, 1776, 
the attention of the enemy being diverted, by a brisk 
camionade, to a different quarter, a party of troops, under 
the command of general Thomas, took possession, in 
silence, of Dorcliester heights, and, with almost mcredible 



75.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 159 

industry, erected, before morning", a line of fortifications 
which commanded the harbor ana the town. 

80. The view of these works, raised like an exhalation 
from the earth, excited the astonishment of general Howe, 
who, on the resignation of cfeneral Ga^e, had been appoint- 
ed commander-m-chief He saw tliathe must immediately 
chslodge tlie Americans or evacuate the town. The next 
day he ordered 3000 men to embark in boats,and proceeded, 
by way of Ca^stle island, to attack tlie works on the 
heights. A furious storm dispersed tliem ; the fortifica- 
tions, in the mean time, were rendered too strong to be 
forced ; and general Howe was compelled to seek safety 
in an inmiediate departure fr jm Boston. 

61. Of the deteradnation of tlie enemy to evacuate the 
town, general Washington was soon a{)prized. The event 
being r.ertain, he did not wish by an attack to hasten it, as 
the fortifications at New York, to which place he pre- 
sumed tliey would repair, were not in sufficient forwardness 
to protect it The embarkation was made on tlie ]7th of 
March ; a few days after, the whole fleet set sail, and the 
American army hastened, by divisions, to ]>iew York. 

82. The acquisition of this important town occasioned 
great and general rejoicing. The thanks of congress were 
voted to general Washington and his troops, for their wise 
and spirited conduct ; a medal of gold was ordered to be 
struck in commemoration of the event The British fleet, 
instead of conveying the troops to New York, steered for 
Halifax, having on Doard a large number of tories and 
their baggage. 



CHAPTER XVn. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 

It lias been already stated, that two expeditions -vvere 
despatched against Canada. I'hc commana of that, whicli 
was to proceed by way of lake Champiain, was given to 
general Schuyler of New York. The number of troops 
to be employed was fixed at three thousand, and they were 
to be drawn from New York and New Enf^land. Gover- 
nor Carleton, gaining intelligence of the project, despatched 
about eight hundred men to strengthen the works at St 



IGO REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775 

Johns, on the river Sorel, a position commanding the usual 
entrance into Canada, 

2. Brigadier-general Montgomery, a young officer of 
brilliant taients, ajid ambitious of glory, was ordered to 
proceed in advance, with the troops, then m readiness, and 
attack this important position, before it iiad been made too 
strong to be taken. When comiuencin^ Ins career, the 
glory and fate of Wolfe were present to his thoughts, ana 
to his wife his parting words were, " Yon shall never blush 
for your Montgomery." General Schuyler soon followed, 
dnd on amving at Isle aux Noix, in the vicinity of the 
British works, he addressed a proclamation to the Cana- 
dians, exhorting- tliem to join tJieir brethren in the cause of 
freedom, and declaring that tlie American army came as 
friends of the mliabitants, and as eneimes only of the 
British garrisons. 

3. The fortifications at St. Johns being found stronger 
than was anticipated, general Schuyler returned to Albany 
to hasten the departure of the remaining troops, artillery, 
and munitions of war. He was prevented, by a severe 
illness, from again joining the army, and the chief com- 
mand devolved upon Montgomery. On receiving a reinforce- 
ment, he invested St. Johns : but being yet almost destitute 
of battering cannon and of powder, he made no progress 
m the siege. And tlie soldiers, cai-ryin^ witli them into 
the field that attachment to liberty and equality which 
gave birth to the contest, displayed such utter aversion to 
discipline and subordination as iiicreased, in a great degree, 
his difficulties and vexations. 

4. Colonel Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, had a com- 
mand under Montgomery. Having been despatclied, with 
major Brown, into the interior of Canada, he was, on his 
return, persuaded by the latter to undertake the rash pro- 
ject of attacking Montreal. He divided his detachment, 
consisting of less than tluee hundred men, into two 
parties, hitending to assail the city at opposite points. 
Major Brown was prevented from executing his part of the 
enterprise. Colonel Allen and his small party, opposed by 
the whole force of the enemy under governor Carleton, 
fought with desperate valor. "JMany were killed ; the sur- 
vivors, overpowered by iiumbers, were compelled to sur- 
render. Tlie governor, viewing Allen, not as tiie intrepid 
soldier, but as a facti^ms rebel, loaded Iiim witli irons and 
sent liiin to England /or trial. 



1775.J REVOLUTlOxNARY WAR. ]61 

5. On tlie ]8th of October, a fortunate event brightened 
the prospects of tlie Americans. Fort Chamblee, situated 
several miles north of St. Johns, Avas supposed to be 
beyond their reach, and was but slightly guarded. A 
detachment under majors Brown and Livingston, attacking 
it unexpectedly, gained possession of it with little loss. 
Sever.'d pieces of cannon, and 120 barrels of powder, were 
tlie fruits of the victory. The Americans, encouraged by 
success, immediately, m defiance of the continual fire of 
the enemy, erected a battery near fort St. Johns, and 
made preparations for a severe cannonade, and an assault, 
if necessary. 

6. At this juncture, Montgomery received intelligence 
of an action between governor Carleton and a body of 
Green Mountain bovs commanded by colonel Warner. 
The fonner, elated by his victory over Allen, collected 
about eight hundred regulars, militia, and Indians, with the 
view of raising the sietre of St. Johns. In full confidence 
of success, they left IVlontreal, embarked in boats, and pro- 
ceeded towards the souL'iern shore of the St. Lawrence. 
In the bushes at the water's edge colonel Warner, having 
received information of their purpose, concealed tliree hun- 
dred men, who, when tlie enemy approached the shore 
poured upon them a fire so unexpected and destructive^ 
that the flotilla returned, in confusion, to Montreal. 

7. On the first of November, Montgomery commenced 
a heavy cannonade of the enemy's works, which was con- 
tinued through the day. In the evening, he sent to the 
British commander, by one of governor Carleton's men, 
who had been made prisoner by colonel Warner, hitelli- 

fence of the governor's defeat, and demanded tlie surren- 
er of the fort. It was accordingly surrendered, and tlie 
next morning entered by the American troops. 

8. Montgomery hastened to Montreal, and, at the same 
time, despatched down the Sorel, the mouth of whicli is 
below that city, a naval force to prevent the escape of the 
British to Ctuebec. Governor Car]etorr,believing the city not 
tenable, quitted it in the night, and, in a boat with muffled 
oars, was conveyed through tlie American squadron. The 
next day,gcneral Montgomery entered the city,and although 
no terms were granted to tlie inhabitants, he treated them 
with the kindness of a fellow citizen, declaring that the 
property, rights, and religion of every individual should be 
sacredly respected. 

9. By his benevolence and address, he gained the affec- 

14# 



16*^ REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775. 

tions of the Canadians, many of whom joined his standard. 
More, however, of his own troops, whose term of enlist- 
ment had expired, insisted on returning- to their homes 
So dear to them were the dehgfhts of the domestic fireside, 
and so vividly were tJiey recalled to memory by the severe 
duties of the campaign, that the high character of tlie com- 
mander, his address, his entreaties, availed nothing to in- 
duce them to proceed on the expedition. With the remnant 
of his army, consisting of no more tlian tlu-ee hundred men, 
he began his march towards Quebec, expecting to meet 
there another body of troops sent to act in concert with him. 

10. These troops were a detachment from the armybefore 
Boston, consisting of one thousand men, and commanded 
by colonel Arnold; avIio, as a soldier, was adventurous, 
impetuous^ and fearless ; as a man, overbearing, avaricious, 
and profligate. Their route lay along tlie coast to the 
mouth of the Kennebec, in Mame, tlience up that river to 
Its source, and thence, over lofty mountains, tlirough a 
wilderness unexplored by civilized man, to the river St. 
Lawrence. They were unable to begin their march before 
the middle of September ; on the ^d, they embarked in 
boats, at Gardiner, on the Kennebec, and. proceeded to 
ascend tliat river. 

11. They found the current rapid, and the navigation 
inteiTuptefl by frequent cataracts. Around tliese they 
were obliged to draw, by hand, their provisions, arms, and 
even their boats. Nor was tlieir route on land less diffi- 
cult. They had deep swamps to pass, and craggy moun- 
tains to ascend. The toil was so incessant, and the fatigue 
60 great, that many, falling sick, were sent back, and along 
witn these tlie rear division, commanded by colonel Enos, 
returned without the knowledge of Arnold. 

12. Before they reached the height of land, provisions 
became scarce. Dogs, cartridge-boxes, and shoes were 
eaten. At the summit, the wiiole stock was divided 
equally among tliem, each receiving but two quarta of 
flour as his portion. The order of march was no longer 
observed. The soldiers were directed to proceed, singly 
or by companies, as tliey might choose, slowly or >vitn 
speed, as they were able, to the nearest Canadian settle- 
ment, then one hundred miles distant When the com- 
pany, whose superior strength enabled them to k-eep in 
advance, were tliirty miles from any human habitation, 
the last morsel of food had been consumed. 

13. In tlii3 extremity, Arnold, witli a few of tlio most 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 103 

vigorous, made a forced marcli to the first village, and 
returned to his almost famished companiona, with food 
sufficient to satisfy the first wants of nature. Refreshed 
and strengthened, thev hastened forward, and, on the fourth 
of Novembe., arrived at the French settlements on the 
Chaudiere, having been thirty-two days witliout seeing 
the abodes of civilized man ; and having, in Uiat time, per- 
formed a march unexampled for its temerity and hardsliip. 

14. The inhabitants welcomed tliem with cordial hos- 
yitahty. Though separated, in a great measure, from the 
world, they had heara of the dispute between Great Britain 
and her colonies, and as the very name of liberty is dear 
to tlie heart of man, tlieir sympathies were all enlisted on 
tlie side of the latter. Arnold distributed proclamations 
among them similar to those issued by general Schuyler. 
As soon as the scattered soldiers were assembled, he con- 
tinued his march, and, on the ninth of November, arrived 
at Point Levi, opposite Quebec. 

15. Nothing could exceed the surprise and astonishment 
of the citizens on seeinor a body of hostile troops, emerging 
from the southern wilderness!^ Had Arnold, at tliis mo- 
ment of panic, been able to cross the river, the city must 
have fallen an easy conquest- ; but boats Avere not at hand, 
and a furious storm, occurring at the tune, rendered cross- 
ing impossible. 

16. Having procured boats, and tlie stomi having abated, 
he crossed the river on the night of the 13th, and landed 
near the place where Wolfe had landed in the preceding 
war. Mounting tlie same steep ascent, he formed his 
troops on the plains of Abraham, and nmrched towards 
tlie city. Convinced, by a cannonade from the walls, that 
the garrison were ready to receive him, he returned, en- 
camped on the plain, and on the 18th marched to Point 
anx Trembles, twenty miles from Quebec, where he 
detennined to await the arrival of Montgomery. 

17. He came on the first of December. How great was 
the joy, and how lively the gratulations, they only can 
imagine, who, after long absence and suffering, have met, 
in a foreign land, their friends and former companions. 
Arnold's troops had, mdced, great cause of rejoicing. 
They were entirely destitute of winter clothing, and had 
endured extreme distress from the severity of the cold. 
Montgomery had brought a supply from Montreal, which 
he immediately distribr'ted among them. 

18. Their united fori e amounted to no more tlian nino 



164 REVOLUTIONARY WAR [1775. 

hundred effective men. On tke fifth, the general, at the 
head of these, appeared before the city, and sent a flag 
with a summons to surrender. The delay which had taken 
place, had enabled governor Carleton to increase the strength 
of the works, and to change the sentiments of the citizens 
from friendship for the Americans to hostility. He ordered 
his troops to fire on the bearer of the flag. ' 

19. Montgomery soon discovered the defect of his friends, 
and perceived that lie must depend upon his own force 
alone for the accomplislimentof his object. When he com- 
pared this force with that of the enemy, who were fifteen 
hundred strong ; when he reflected that his troops were re- 
cent levies, whose term was nearly expired, and whose 
thoughts were fixed upon their homes, his hopes of suc- 
cess became faint, and his forebodings gloomy. He believ- 
ed, however, that success was possible, and his high sense of 
honor and of duty impelled him to hazard every thing to ob- 
tain it for his countiy. 

20. He at first determined to batter the walls, and harass 
tlie city, by repeated and furious aitacks, hoping that an op- 
portunity might occur of striking some decisive blow. He 
raised a mound, composed of snow and water, which soon 
became ice, and there planted his cannons, six only in num- 
ber. After a short trial, they were found inadequate, and 
this plan was aliandoned. 

21 . Meanwhile, the snow fell incessantly, the cold became 
intense, and the sufferings of the truops, from the rigor of 
the season and their continual toil, surpassed all that 
they had ever before felt, or witnessed, or imagined. To 
increase their distress, the small-pox broke out in the camp, 
presenting death in a new shape, and adding to the severi- 
ty of their labors, by lessening the number to bear them. 
In the mids^ of these trials, their attachnient to the cause, 
and devotion to their commander, remained unabated , 
but these, he reflected, must soon give way before 
such severe a^id constant suffering ; and for himself, 
he determined to make immediately a bold and desperate 
effort. 

22. Assembling his officers, he proposed to storm the 
city. He placed before them the motives which operated 
upon his own mind. He did not deny that the enterprise 
was highly ditficult and dangerous, but maintained that 
success was possible. He addressed a band of heroes 
whose sentiments were congenial with his own, and the 
decision was unanimous in favor of his prooosition. The 



1775.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 165 

plan and time of attack wore concerted, and to each officer 
was issi^ned his particular duty. 

23. On the last day of December, at four o'clock in the 
moming-, while a violent snow stonn was raging, tlie troops 
marched from the camp in four columns, commanded by 
Montgomery, Arnold, Livingston, and Brown. The two 
latter were directed to make feigned attacks upon the 
upper town, in order to distract the attention of the garri- 
son ; while the two former proceeded to assault tlie lower 
town at opposite points. 

24. Livingston and Brown, impeded by the snow, did 
not arrive in season to execute their feints. Montgomery, 
advancing, at the head of his column, along the bank of 
tlie river, came to a barrier or stockade of strong posts. 
Two of these he sawed olF with his own hands. Tlie 
guard within were alarmed, and fled to a block-house, fifty 
yards distant, where several pieces of cannon were sta- 
tioned. He passed through the opening in the barrier, 
encouraging his men to follow. Tne troops at the block- 
house, to whom the guard had communicated tlieir terror, 
oegan to desert it. 

25. At this moment, Montgomery halted, to allow the 
troops near him to form in a body. Observing this delay, 
a Canadian, who lingered behind, returned to the block- 
house, seized a match which was burning, and discharged 
a cannon loaded with grape shot, and fortuitously pointed 
at the little band. The discharge was instantly fatal to 
Montgomery, and to several favorite officers standing 
around him. The men, seeing their beloved leader fall, 
shrunk back ; colonel Campbell, the next in command, 
ordered a retreat, and that portion of the p-arrison stationed 
at the block-house, was left at liberty to hasten to another 
part of the city, already in commotion from, the attack of 
Arnold. 

26. This of^-cer, marching, like Montgomeiy, at the 
head of his column, had entered the town. Advancing 
along a narrow street, wliicJi was swept by the grape shot 
of the enemy, he received a severe wound, in the leg, and 
was carried to the hospital. Captain Morgan, afterwards 
distinguished by his exploits at the south, assumed the 
command. Placing himself at the head of two companies, 
he boldly approached the enemy's works, and entering 
through the embrasures, drove the men from their guns. 

27. Here he halted until the rear of the column came 
up. When tune was given for reflection, the danger of 



im REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 775. 

their situation, a small band in tJie heart of a hostile city, 
filled even tlie bosoms of the brave with dread. Mu.^-an 
retained his firmness; and when the morning dawned, 
with a voice that resounded tiirouj^h the city, summoned 
his troops to the assault of a second battery, a short 
distance in advance of tJie first. 

28. Before this, a fierce combat ensued. Many of the 
enemy were killed, but more Americans, who were ex- 
posed to a destructive lire of musketry from the windows 
of the houses. Some of the most daring; mounted tlie 
wall, but, seeing, on tlie other side, two raiucs of soldiers, 
with then- muskets on the "-round, presenting hedges of^ 
bayonets to receive them, should they leap torward, they 
recoiled and descended. 

29. Weary with exertion, and benumbed with cold; 
exposed to a deadly fire from every qupa-ter; tlieir arms 
rendered useless by the snow which continued to fall, the 
soldiers sought refuge in the houses. Perceiving that 
all further attempts would be vain, Morgan gave the signal 
of retreat. Some of the men fled, but most were unwilling 
to encounter another tempest of shot. I'^^gv refused, 
however, to yield, until assured of the fate of Montgome- 
ry ; when, losing all hope of success and escape, they 
surrendered themselves prisoners of war. 

30. The loss of the Americans, in this desperate enter- 
prise, was above four hundi-ed, of whom one hundred and 
fifty were killed. The whole continent bewailed the 
death of Montgomery. He was conspicuous, even in those 
times of enthusiasm, for his ardent devotion to the cause 
of freedom. He was endeared to tlie g^ood, by the exer- 
cise, in the midst of war, of the most amiable virtues. His 
soldiers adored him for his lofly spirit and daring bravery. 
The enemy respected Inm for his honorable conduct, and 
distinguished military qualities. Until his last enterprise, 
continual success bore testimony to the greatness of his 
talents ; and defeat, when he v/as no more, confirmed the 
testimony of success. Congress resolved that a monu- 
ment should be erected to peioetuate his fame. It lives 
yet fresh in the memory of Americans. In 1818, New 
York, his adopted state, removed his remains from Quebec 
to her own metropohs, where the monument had been 
placed, and near that they repose. 

31. Some of the Americans, on their escape from 
Ciuebec, retreated precipitately to Montreal. Arnold, with 
difficulty detained about four hundred, who, brealdng up 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1(57 

their camp, retired three miles from tlie city. Here Una 
heroic band, though much inferior in number to the garri- 
son, kept it in continual awe, and, by prevcntmg all com- 
munication with the country, reduced it to great distress 
for the want of provisions. 

32. Congress, on receiving information of the disEister 
of the 31st of December, directed reinforcements to be 
sent to Canada ; and after the beginning of March, Arnold's 
party was almost daily augmented by the arrival of smali 
bodies of troops. But its strength did not increase with 
its numbers. TJie small-pox still continued its ravages ; 
fatigue, without hope, depressed the spirits of the soldiers ; 
tlie difficulty of ootainiiig provisions became every day 
greater; and the harsh measures adopted by Arnold to 
procure them, exasperated the inhabitants around him. 

3^3. On the first of May, general Thomas, who had 
been appointed to succeed Montgomery, arrived from tlie 
camp at Roxbury. On reviev/ing his army, he found it to 
consist of less tlian two thousand men, of whom half were 
not fit for duty. A council of war was held, who resolved 
that it was expedient to take a more defensible position 
higher up the St. Lawrence. To tliis decision they were 
led by the knowledge that the ice was leaving the river, 
and by the expectation that reinforcements firom England 
woula immediately come up. The next morning, in fact, 
while the Americans were engaged in removing the sick, 
several ships appeared in sight^ and entered the harbor. A 
multitude of troops w*»re immediately poured into tlie city. 

34. At one o'clock, Carleton made a sortie at the head 
of a tliousand men. Against these general Thomas, at 
that moment, could oppose but three hundred. All the 
stores, and many of the sick, fell into the power of the 
enemy. The latter were treated, by the governor, wit 
great tenderness ; and Avhen restored to health, were 
assisted to return to their homes. The Americans re- 
treated to the mouth of the Sorel, where they Avere joined 
by several regiments, and where their worthy commander 
died of the small-pox, which yet prevailed in tlie camp. 

35. While j)atriotism and valor Avere, in this quarter, 
unsuccessfully contending with a superior force, tlie 
Americans sustained a heavy and un&xpected calamity, 
resulting from cowardice, in another. At a fortified place, 
called the Cedars, forty miles above Montreal, colonel 
Bedell Avas stationed Avith four hundred men, and two 
pieces of camion. Assembhng a force of six hundred, 



168 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1775u 

mostly Indian warriors, captain Foster, who commanded 
at Oswegatchie, descended the river to attack tliis post 

30. Colonel Bedell, leaving major Biitterfield in com- 
mand, repaired to Mojitreal to obtain assistance. Shortly 
afterwards, captain Foster appeared, and invested the 
fort. He had no artillery, and in the course of two days, 
but one man was wounded. More cflicient than his arms, 
was tlie intimation, that if an}' of the Indians should be 
killed, it would not be in his power to restram them frum 
the massacre of the garrison. Intimidated by this, major 
Butterfield surrendered his wliole party prisoners of war, 
stipulating only for their baggage and their lives. 

37. Upon the representation of colonel Bedell, a rem- 
forcement was ordered to march from Montreal ; but he 
declined returning with it, and the command was given 
to major Sherburne. The day after the sun'ender of the 
fort, of which event the major was ignorant, and about 
four miles from it, he was met by a large body of Indians, 
to whom, after an obstinate and bloody conflict, he waa 
obliged to surrender. The whole loss of the Americans 
was at least five hundred. 

38. General Sullivan was appointed to succeed general 
Thomas, and on the first of .fune, arrived at the river 
Sorel, where he found between four and five thousand 
men. But the army of the enemy had, in the mean time, 
been augmented to thirteen thousand. Commanding a 
force so decidedly superior, governor Carleton pressed 
forward in pursuit, and the Americans retreated slowly 
and reluctantly before him. At St. Johns, the pursuit 
ceased ; but general Sullivan, in obedience to orders fi-om 
general Schiiyler, continued his march to Crown Point, 

t the head of lake Champlain. 
"^9. Thus terminated the expedition against Canada, 
iti its conception it was singularly bold and romantic. In 
its progress were displayed fortitude and bravery seldom 
equalled in military annals. Its failure was a painful 
disappointment to tlie patriots of Lhe day. It is now 
consoliug to reflect, that success would probably have 
proved injurious to tlie cause of independence. To pro- 
tect tlie province, the military force of the confederacy 
must have been too much extended, and colonies more 
important have been left defenceless. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 

The last humble petition of congress to the king was 
presented by Mr. Penn, the late i^overnor of Pennsylvania. 
A few days afterwards, he was told bv' the minister that 
no answer would be made to it. The haughty spirit, 
which dictated tliis reply, pervaded both houses of par- 
liament. 

2. In December, a law was passed amounting to a 
declaration of Avar against the colonies. Treaties were 
made with the landgrave of Hesse Cassel and other 
German princes, hiring of tliem seventeen thousand men, 
to be employed against the Americans ; and it was deter- 
mined to send over, in addition to tliese, twenty-five 
thousand English ti'oops. 

3. In the beginning of the year 1776, a fleet under sir 
Peter Parker, and two thousand five hundred troops 
commanded by earl Cornwallis, were despatched upon an 
expedition against the southern colonies. Soon after, ad- 
miral Hotham set sail with a large number of ti-ansporta, 
carrying the first division of Hessians; and, in May, fol- 
lowed admiral lord Howe, who had been appointed com- 
mander of the naval force on tlie American station. He, 
and his brother, general Howe, had also been appointed 
joint commissioners to grant pardons on submission. 

4. On the first of May, the fleet, under sir Peter Par- 
ker, arrived on the coast of INoilh Carolina, where sir 
Henry Clinton, arnving at the same time from New York, 
took command of the troops. The late defeat of the 
Highland emigrants had so dispirited the loyalists in this 
colony, that he determined to proceed fartlier soutli, and 
cittack Charleston, the capital of South Carolina. 

5. Fortunately, an official letter, announcing the speedy 
departure of the expedition from England, had been inter- 
cepted early in the spring, and time was thus given to 
place this city in a state of defence. A strono' fort was 
built on Sullivan's island, a position from which ships, 
on entering the harbor, could be greatly annoyed; tiie 
streets, in diflTerent places, were strongly barricaded ; the 
Btores on the wharves, though of "•reat value, were pulled 
down, and lines of defence erected along the water's edge. 

6. On learning the near approach of the enemy, flie 



170 REVOLUTIONARY WAIL [1776. 

militia of tlio country Avere summoned to defend the cap- 
ital. They obeyed with alacrity, increasing to five or six 
tliousand the number of ti'oops. General Lee had been 
eent from New York to take tne chief command ; and his 
liigh military reputation gave confi'denco to the soldiers 
and inhabitants. Under him were colonels Gadsden, 
Moultrie, and Thompson. 

7. In the morning of the 28th of .Tune, nine ships of 
war, carrying two hundred and fifty guns, began a furious 
attack upon tlie fort on tlie island, much was garrisoned 
by about four hundred men, under the command of colonel 
Moultrie. At the same time, a detachment of troops was 
landed on an adjoining island, and directed to cross over, 
at a place where the sea was supposed to be shallow, 
and attack it in the rear. 

8. The heavy and incessant fire of tlie enemy was 
received with coolness, and returned with skill. Many 
of tlieu- ships suffered severely, and particularly the Bris- 
tol, on board of which was commodore Parker. She Avas 
twice in flames, her captain was killed, and. so dreadful 
was tlie slaughter, tliat, at one time, the commodore was 
the only person upon deck unhurt 

9. In the midst of the action, g^eneral Lee visited the 
garrison. He was delighted with tlie enthusiasm they 
exhibited. Nothing seemed capaDie of quenching theur 
ardor. Soldiers, mortally wounded, exhorted their com- 
rades never to abandon the standard of liberty. *'l die," 
said sergeant M'Donald, in his last moments, " for a glo- 
rious cause ; but I hope it will not expu-e with me." 

10. The British troops, destined to attack the fort in tlie 
rear, found it impossible to reach the island. The engage- 
ment with the fleet continued until dark. The ships, hav- 
ing received too much injury to renew it, moved off in the 
night ; and a few days afterwards, the fleet, with the troops 
en board, set sail fo/New York, where the whole British 
force had been ordered to tissemble. 

11. The killed and wounded on the part of the enemy, 
amounted to near two hundred. Of me Americans, ten 
were killed, and twentv-two wounded. The ti'oops, for 
Llieir gallantry, received the thanks of congress, and high 
and well merited praise from their countiymen. Their suc- 
cess was auspicious to tlie cause of freedom. In a part 
of tlie country whore resistance by force had been but 
little contemplated, it aroused the people to exertion, and 
inspired tliem with confidence. 



1776.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 17J 

12. Notwithstanding the active war carried on, thft 
colonies still professea alleg-iance to the British king; and 
protested that the sole object of all their measures, was a 
redress of grievances. In the beginning of the contest, 
these professions, in most instances, were sincere ; but a 
state of hostility produced a rapid change of sentiment. 
In place of attachment to monarchy and to Great Britain, 
succeeded devotion to republican principles, and wishes 
for independence. 

13. The temporary constitutions adopted by New 
Hampshire, and several other colonies, had shown with 
what facility all bonds of connection with the mother 
country could be dissolved. Essays in the newspapers, 
and pamphlets industriously circulated, appealing to tiie 
reason and to the passions of the people, enforced the 
necessity and policy of a separation. Resistance, it was 
observed, had been carried too far to allow the hope that 
cordial harmony could ever be restored ; submission, on 
any terms, to irritated masters, would be totally unsafe ; 
and the alternative was presented of rising to the honora- 
ble rank of an independent nation, or sinking into a state 
of vassalage which every future year would render more 
oppressive and degrading. 

14. A pamohlet, entitled " Common Sense," and written 
bv Thomas raine, an Englishman, was universally read, 
and most highly admired. In language plain, forcible, and 
singularlv well fitted to operate on the public mind, he 
portrayed the excellencies of republican institutions, and 
attacked, with liappy and successful ridicule, the principles 
of hereditary government. The effect of the pamphlet, in 
making converts, was astonishing, and is probably witiiout 
precedent in the annals of iiteratiire. 

15. As a step preparatory to independence, congress, on 
tlie 15th of May, recommended to those colonies that had 
not yet adopted constitutions, to establish, without any 
hmitation of time, " such governments as might best con- 
duce to the happiness and safety of the people." The 
recoimnendation Avas generally complied with, and in every 
instance tlie government was not only entirely elective, 
but elective at such short periods as to impress upon rulers 
their immediate accountableness to the people, and upon 
the people a just opinion of their own importance, and a 
conviction of their safety from m.isrule. 

16. The colonies had become accustomed to contemplate 
themselves as sovereign states ; and tlie i^overnments of 



l?i REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776, 

many expressed their desire that congress would declare 
them such to the world. On the 7th oC June, a resolution 
to that etfect w;ls proposed, in that body, by Richard Henry 
Lee, of Virginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Ma^ssa- 
chusetts. VVIiile under consideration, the colonies vvliich 
had not expressed their approbation of the measure, 
declared their concurrence. A committee, consisting of 
Messrs. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Shennan, andLivmg- 
eton, were instructed to prepare a Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, which, on the fourt/i of July, a memorable day, 
wa^ almost unanimously adopted. 

17. " We hold tliese truths," says tins celebrated state 
paper, " to be self evident, that all mankind are created 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
unalienable rio-nts ; tliat among these, are life, liberty, and 
tiie pursuit o? happiness ; that to secure these rights, 
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
powers from the consent of tlie governed ; that whenever 
any form of government becomes destructive of tliese ends, 
it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to 
institute a new government, laying its foundations on such 
principles, and organizing its poAvers in such form, as to 
them shall seem most hkely to effect their safety and 
happiness." 

lo. To justify the exercise, on the present occasion, of 
the rigiit here asserted, a long enumeration is made of tlie 
injuries inflicted upon tlie colonies, by the king of Great 
Britain, wliich is closed by declaring tjiat " a prince, whose 
character is thus marked by every act which may define 
a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." 

19. The appeals which had been made to the people of 
Great Britain are also recounted ; " but they too have been 
deaf to tiie voice of justice and consanguinity. We must 
tlierefore acquiesce to the necessity which denounces our 
eeparation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, 
enemies in war, in peace friends. 

20. " We, therefore, the representatives of the United 
States of America, in general congress assembled, appeal- 
ing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude 
of^our intentions, do, in tlie name, and by the authority 
of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish 
and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right 
ought to be, FRKE and independent states ; that they are 
absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that 
fill political connection between them and the state of 



1770.] REVOLUTlOxNARY WAR. 173 

Great Britain is, and of right ought to be, totally dissolved ; 
and tiiat, as free and independent states, they have full 
power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, 
estabhsh commerce, and do all other acts and things wliich 
independent states may of right do. And for the support 
of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of 
Divme Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred lienor." 

21. Tliis declaration was communicated to the army, 
and received with entJiusiastic plaudits. A great majority 
of the people welcomed it with joy, which was displayed, 
in almost every city, by extraordinary public festivities. 
Those who haa been denominated torics, were averse to 
a separation. Many joined the royal armies, and exhibited, 
during the war, the most cruel hostility against the whigs, 
their countrymen. 

22. During the spring and summer, unremitted exertions 
were made to fortify the city of New York, against which, 
it was supposed, tlie whole strength of the enemy would 
be next airected. In this crisis tlie people of tliat state 
acted with spirit and firmness. One fourth of tlie militia 
of tiie counties contiguous to the city, were called into 
the public sei-vice. Yet tiie means, in the power of tlie 
commander-in-chief, were not adequate to the einerfjency. 
He had under liis command but fourteen tlK^usand effective 
men ; and ^vas almost destitute of many articles wliich 
impart strength as well as comfort to an anny. As it was 
in the power of the enemy to choose tlieir point of attack, 
tins force was necessarily divided. A part were stationed 
in the city, a part at Brooklyn, on Long Island, and small 
detachments at various otlier posts. 

23. In the beginning of July, admiral and general Howe 
arrived in the harbor of New York. They were accom- 
panied by a powerful naval force, and by an army of twenty- 
four thousand men, abundantly supplied with military stores. 
The troops were landed on iStaton Island, a position from 
which ulterior movements could most conveniently be 
made. 

24. General Washington, presuming that tli« first attack 
would be made upon the posts at Brooklyn, strengtliened 
it by a detachment of troops from tlie city, anri ^ave the 
command of it to general rutnam. On the 22d of A ugust. 
the British forces were landed on the opposite side of 
Long Island. The two armies were now about four miles 
a^mider, and were separated by a range of hills, over wliich 

15* 



174 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1770 

passed three main roads. Various circumstances led 
general Putnam to suspect that tlie enemy intended to 
approach him by tlie road leading to his right, M'liich he 
therefore guarded with most care. 

25. Very early in tlie morning of the 26th, his suspicionH 
were strengthened by ihe approach, upon that road, of a 
column of British troops, and upon tlie centre road, of a 
column of Hessians. To oppose these, tlie Americau 
troops were mostly drawn from tiieir camp, and in the en 
gagements which took place, evinced considerable bravery 

26. These movements of the enemy were but feints tc 
divert the attention of Putnam from the road which led to 
his letl, along wliich general Clinton was silently advancing 
with the mani bociy of the British army. The report ot 
cannon in that direction crave the lirst intimation of tlie 
danger which was approaciiing. The Americans endeav- 
ored to escape it, by returning, with the utmost celerity, to 
their camp. Tiiey were not able to arrive there in time, 
but were intercepted by general Clinton, who drove them 
back upon tlie Hessians. 

27. Attacked tlius in front and rear, tliey fought a suc- 
cession of slvinnishes, in tlie course of which many were 
killed, many made prisoners, and several parties, seizing 
favorable opportunities, forced their way tlirough the 
enemy, and regained the camp; A bold and vigorous 
charge, made by the American general, lord Sterling, at 
the head of a Alaryland regiment, enabled a large body to 
escape in this manner. This reghnent, fighting witli des- 
perate bravery, kept a force greatly superior engaged, until 
their conu'ades had passed by, when the few who survived, 
ceasing to resist, surrendered Lo tlie enemy. 

28. The loss of tlie Americans, in killed, wounded, and 

fjrisoners, considerably exceeded a tliousand. Among the 
atter were generals Sullivan, Sterling, and WoodhuL 
The total loss of the enemy was less tlian four hundred. 
They encamped at night before the American lines ; an(/ 
the next day be^an to erect batteries within six hundrel 
yards of tlieirleit. 

2^. While tlie battle was raging, general Washington 
passed over to Brooidyn, where he witnessed, with inex- 
pressible anguish, the desti'uction of his best troops, from 
which, such was tlie superiority of tlie enemy, it was 
impossible to save them. Finding the men dispirited by 
defeat, he determined to remove tliem to the city. The 
retreat \Aas eiFected, on tlie mght of the 28th, with such 



1776.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 175 

silence and despatch, tlmt before tJie suspicions of the 
enemy were excited, the last division of boats was beyond 
the reach of their fire. 

30. So disheartened were the militia, tliat they deserted 
by companies ; and even the regular troops M^ere infected 
by tlieir example. Near tlie middle of September, the 
commander-in-chief, fearing to be enclosed in the city, re- 
tired to the heights of Haerlem. The enemy immediately 
took possession. A few days afterwards, a fire broke out 
which consumed about a thousand houses. 

31. General Washington, after reflecting upon the 
events which had already occurred; after considering the 
inexperience of his troops, the condition of the country 
and tlio distance of the enemy from their resources, deter- 
mined to adopt a cautious system of warfare ; to risk at 
present no general engagement ; to harass and wear out 
the enemy by keeping tliem in continual motion ; and to 
inspire his own troops with courage, by engaging them in 
skinnishes, in all cases where success ^'as probable. In 
one, fought on the 6tli of September, .le brave colonel 
Knowlton was killed ; but the result was so decidedly 
favorable to the Americans, tliat the troops recovered 
tlieir spirits ; and the general was confirmed m the system 
he had adopted. 

t$i. The movements of the enemy, in the beginning of 
October, indicated an intention of gaining the rear or the 
Americans, and cutting off their communication with the 
eastern states. The army, therefore, quitting Haerlem, 
moved northward towards White Plains. General Howe 
pursued, making several attempts to bring on a general 
engagement, which Washington avoided by skilful changea 
of position. A partial action was fought, on the 28th of 
October, in which the loss on both sides was nearly 
>quaL 

33. Findin;^ his antagonist too cautious to be drawn into 
tlie open field, and too strong to be attacked in his en- 
trenchments, general Howe determined to return towards 
New York, and attack forts Washington and Lee, situated 
opposite to each other on tlie banks of the Hudson, and 
about ten miles above the city. In these forts, garrisona 
had been left, from a wish to preserve the command of this 
important river. That in fort Washington, consisting in 
part of militia, amounted to two thousand seven hundred 
men, under colonel Magaw. 

34. On the 16di of November, four divisions of thQ 



l^G REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 1177G 

enemy's anny, \ed by their principal officers, attacked it in 
foirr ditferent quarters. The garrison, and particularly tlie 
riflemen under colonel RawRngs, foug-lit bravely "The 
CVermans were several times driven back, with great loss. 
But these combined and vig-orous attacks were at lenorth 
successful. The ammunition in the fort being nearly ex- 
hausted, and all the outposts driven in, the commander, 
on bein^ a second time summoned, agreed to capitulate, on 
honorable terms. This was the severest blow tlie Amer- 
icans had yet felt. The loss of the enemy, however, in 
killed and wounded, was supposed to be twelve hundred 
men. 

Ji5. Fort Lee was immediateJy evacuated, the garrison 
joining general Washington. lie had previously, witJi one 
division of his army, cro'ssed over into New Jersey, ieav- 
mg the otlier, under the command of general Lee, in New 
York. His force, even when augmented by the garrison, 
con*nsted of but three tJiousaud effective men, and tliey 
were destitute of tents, of blankets, and even of utensils 
fo cook their provisions. His first station was Newark; 
but t!ie enemy pursuing hiuL, he was compelled to retreat 
successixeiy to Bru.iswick, to Princeton, to Trenton, and 
finally to cross the Delaware into Pennsylvania ; and so 
close was the p irsuit, tliat the advance of tlie British army 
was often in sight. 

I3<). Small as was his force when the retreat began, it 
diminished daily. On the last of November, many of his 
troops were entitled to their discharge, and not one of 
them could be persuaded to continue another day in ser- 
vice. Such he feared would be the conduct of the re- 
mainder, whose time would expire at the end of the year. 
In this extremity, he urged (general Lee to hasten to his 
assistance ; but that officer, having other purposes in view 
delayed his march. He called on tiie militia of New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania, but none obeyed his call. The 
jiopuiation around him were hostile or desponding, and 
Av'itliheld all aid from an army whose career seemed near 
its termination. 

37. In this darkest liour m American history, general 
Howe issued a proclamation offering pardon to all who 
would declare their submission to royal authority. The 
contrast between a ragged, suffering, retreating army, and 
a full clad, powerful, exulting foe, induced many, despair- 
ing of success, to abandon the cause they ho.d espoused, 
and acccDt of oardon. Among them were Mr. Galloway 



1776.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 177 

and Mr. Allen, who Jjad been members of tlie contbiental 
congress. 

38. As the British army approached Philadelphia, con- 
gress adjourned to Baliimore, having previously invested 
general Washington with "full power to order and direct 
all tilings relative to the do}>artment, and to the ojwrations 
of war." Such unhmited authority conld not have been 
placed in hands more worthy to hold it. To the elastic 
energy of his mind, and his perfect self-possession in the 
most aesperate circumstances, is America, in a great de 
gree, indebted for her independence. 

39. On the day that lie was driven over the Delaware, 
the British took possession of Rhode Island. On the 13th 
of December, general Lee, having wandered from his 
amy, was surprised and taken prisoner. In the experi- 
en ;e and talents of this officer, the peo})le reposed great 
confidence, and they lamented his loss like that of an army. 
In its consequences, [lis capture was fortunate. The 
command of his division devolved upon "funeral Sullivan, 
who conducted it promptly to general Washington, aug- 
mentirig- his army to nearly seven tliousand etfective men. 

40. Still so much stronger were the enemy, that they 
regarded the rebels — for so they deli^^hted 'to call tlie 
patriots of that day — as almost subdued, and doubted not 
that a vigorous attempt, whenever they should be disposed 
to make it, would place in their power the handful ot men 
before them. They rioted upon the plunder of the coun- 
try, a:id enjoyed in prospect the fruits of an assured and 
decisive victory. 

41. Washington saw tliat this tide of ill fortune must 
be stemmed — must even be rolled back upon the enemy — 
or it would soon overwhelm his country, fie resolved to 
hazard all that was left in one vigorous c ffort for victory. 
On the ni"-ht of the 25th of December, at the head of two 
thousand four hundred men, he crossed the Delaware a 
Trenton, surprised a body of Hessians stationed at that 
place, took nine hundred prisoners, and unmediately re- 
crossed, having lost but nine of his men. 

42. This sudden and severe blow awakened the enemy 
to activity. Cornwallis, who had repaired to New York, 
intrusting to his inferior officers the task of finishing the 
war, returned, with additional troops, to regain the ground 
tliat had been lost. lie concentrated his forces at Prince- 
ton ; and soon after, Washington, having been joined by 
a body of Pennsylvania niiUtifl, and persuaded Uie New 



.78 REVOLUTIONAliY WAR. t]777 

England troops to serve six weeks longer, again crossed 
tiie Delaware and took post at Trenton. 

43. On tlie 2d of January, 1777, tlie greater part of the 
British army marched to attack tlie Americans. In the 
evening, they encamped near Trenton, in full expectation 
of a battle and victory in the morning. Washington, 
sensible of the hiferiority of his force ; sensible too that 
tli2;ht would be almost as fatal as defeat, conceived another 
bcJld project, which he resolved instantly to execute. 

41. About midnio-ht, having renewed his fires, he silent- 
ly decamped, and gaining, by a circuitous route, tlie rear 
of the enemy, marched towards Princeton, where he pre- 
sumed CornM-allis had left a part of his troops. At sun- 
rise, the van of the American forces met unexpectedly 
two British regiments. A sharp action ensued ; tlie for- 
mer gave way. At this crisis, when all was at stake, the 
comn\ander-m-chief led the main body to the attack. 'I'he 
enemy were routed and fled. Fortunately the lieroic 
Wasliington, though exposed to both fires, and but a few 
Tards distant from either party, escaped unhurt 

45. Instead of pursuing them, he pressed forward to 
Princeton, where one regnnent yet remained. Part saved 
themselves by a precipitate flight ; about three hundred 
were made prisoners. The British loss in killed was up- 
wards of one hundred ; tlie American svas less, but in the 
number were the brave general Mercer, and several valua- 
ble officers. Among the wounded was lieutenant James 
Monroe, afterwards raised to the liighest office in tlie gift 
of his fellow-citizens. 

46. In consternation, the British army immediately evac- 
uated Trenton, and retreated to New Brunswick The 
inhabitants, resuming their courage, and giving full force 
to their rage, Avhich tear had smothered, took revenue for 
the brutalities they had suffered. The enemy were driven 
from all their posts in New Jersey, except Amboy and 
Bnmswick, and the American army obtained secure win- 
ter quarters at Morristown. 

47. The brilliant victories at Trenton and Princeton 
raised, from the lowest depression, the spmta of the 
American people. They regarded Washington as the sa- 
vior of his country, lie became tlie theme of eulogy 
throughout Europe. And having displayed, as occasions 
demanded, tlie opposite qualities of caution and impetu- 
osity, he received the honorable and appropriate appelh^tion 
of the American Fabius. 



173 

CHAPTER XIX. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 

The firmness manifestod by congref*?, whe\ ilisai^ter 
and defeat liad almost annihilated the Amoncan txrmy, 
entitles the members to the gratitude and admiration o*^ 
every friend of freedom. Tl)cy exhibited no symptom 
of terror or dismny. They voted to raise an anny to take 
the place of that ''nch was to be disbanded at the end of 
the year ; and, r je sensible by experience, that short 
enlistments had b- "U the cause of most of the misfortunes 
of tlieir country, ti.-jy resolved that the new levies should 
be ejilisted to serve tliree years or duiiritr tire war, at the 
option of tlie individual recruits. To defray expenses, 
tliey made large emissions of paper money. And to evmce 
their firm detennination to tlie world, they solemnly 
declared that they would listen to no terms of peace 
whjch required a relinquishment of their independence, 
or which should deprive other n&tions of a free trade to 
their ports. 

2. Relying on the inveterate enmity of France agamr.t 
Great Britain, tliey sent commissioners tx) that court, 
witli instructions to solicit a loan of money, a supply of 
munitions of Avar, and an acknowledgment of the mde' 
pendence of the United States. These coinmissionera 
were Dr. Franklin, Silas Deane, and Artluir Lee. Frank- 
fin arrived at Paris in December. The cause of which 
he was tlie advocate, and his own great fame as a philos- 
opher, prcx^Aired him a flatteriit^ reception from all ranks 
of people. America, her minister, her struggle against 
oppression, became the themes t)f popular discourse, and 
the government itself was rendered in secret propitious to 
her cause. 

3. The ministry permitted arms, covertlv taken from 
tJie public arsenals, to be conveyed to the United S^^ates. 
They connived at the sale, in tiieir West India is fuxK 
and even in the ports of France, of the prizes taken by 
American privateers. The vame of these prizes, made in 
the year T776, was computed at five millions of dollars, 
and far exceeded that oi tlie captures made by the enemy. 

4. So popular was the t^ause of the Unitecf States, and 
BO exalted the character of their military leader, that 
wany French officers sought an opportunity of engaging 



IW REVOLUTIONARV WAR. [1777 

\n their service. Among th«se, the young marquia de la 
Fayetto was most conspicuous for his rank, and most dis- 
tinguished for his ardor and entiiusiasm. At an early 
period, he communicated to the American agents his wish 
to join the republican armies. At first, they encouraged 
his zeal, but learning the disasters which preceded the 
"lictory at Trenton, they, with honorable frankness, com- 
muHicated the information to him, and added that they 
were so destitute of funds, that they could not even pro- 
ride for his passage across the ocean. 

5. "If your country," replied the gallant youth, "is in- 
deed reduced to this extremity, it is at this moment that 
my departure to join her armies will render her the most 
essential service. ' He immediately hired a vessel to 
convey him to America, where he arrived in the spring of 
]777. He was received with cordial affection by the 
people, became tlie bosom friend of Wasliington, solicited 
permission to ser\'e without pay, and was appointed 
major-general in the army. 

6. In the last campaign, more prisoners had been taken 
by the British than oy the Am.ericans. They were de- 
tained at New York, and were confined in churches and 
prison ships, where they endured the extremity of wretch- 
edness. They were exposed, witliout fire and almost 
without clothes, to the inclemency of a severe winter ; 
were often whole days without food, and when food was 
offered, it wa=i but a miserable pittance, damaged and 
loatiisome. Many died of hunger, and more of mseases, 
produced by their complicated sufferings. 

7. Washington remonstrated with w;u-mth, and threat- 
ened retaliation. Afler his victories in New Jersey, 
their treatment was less inhuman. An exchange was 
Bgrced upon, but many, when attempting to walk from 
their places of confinement to the vessels provided to 
convey them away, fell and expired in the streets. Yet 
in the midst of these unparalleled sufferings, they had 
exhibited fortitude more rare, and more honorable to 
human nature, than the liighest display of valor in battle. 
To entice them to enlist in tlie royal army, they were prom- 
ised relief from misery, and the enjoyment of abundance. 
They rejected the offer with disdain ; tlius giving to the 
world the noblest proof of the absence of all mercenary 
motive, and of the sincerity and fer\'or of their devotion 
to thsir country. 

8 Near the end of May, the American aniiy, which 



1777.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. ItJl 

had been auffrnented by recruits to almost ten tljousand 
men, moved ^om Morristown, and took a strong- position 
at Middlebrook. The British, soon after, left their en- 
campment, and general Howe endeavored, by various 
movements, to induce general Washington to quit his 
strong hold and meet him on equal ground. But the latter, 
adhermg to his Fabian system of warfare, determined to 
remain in the position he had chosen. 

9. General Howe, changm^ his purpose, transported his 
army to Staton Island. He there embarked sixteen 
thousand troops on board a large fleet, and, leaving sir 
Henry Clinton in command at New York, put out to sea 
on the 2(5th of July. His destination was carefully kept 
secret. On the 20th of August, tlie fleet entered Chesa- 
peake bay, and rendered it certain tliat an attack upon 
Philadelphia was intended. The troops were landed at 
Elk ferry, in Maryland, fifty miles south of that city. 

10. '1 he American army l.nmediately crossed the Dela- 
ware, and, passing through Philadelphia, directed its march 
towards the enemy. The people, weary of delays and 
mdecisive movements, demanded that a general engage- 
ment should be hazarded for tiie defence of the metropolis. 
Washington, yielding to their wishes, took a position on 
the eastern bank of Brandy wine creek, and in the direction 
of the enemy's route. 

J J. (Jn the eleventh of September, the British army 
appeared, and, crossing the creek at several fords, com- 
menced an attack upon the American right, which, after 
a short resistance, gave way. The other divisions, succes- 
sively attacked, gave way in like manner, and tJie rout 
becoming general, a retreat was orderea to Chester. 

12. Several portions of the American army, particularly 
a brigade from Virginia, exhibited in this battle great 
flrmness and bravery. The misconduct of others rendered 
their bravery unavailing. The American loss amounted 
to t\TOlvo hundred ; the British to no more than half that 
nimiber. The marquis de la Fayette took part in the 
engagement, and was wounded. The next day, the army 
retired to Pliiladelphia, and soon after to Reading, where 
a quantity of stores had been deposited. The retreat was 
performed without a murmur, although many marched 
without shoes, and slept on the ground without blankets. 
On the 2()tli of September, general Howe entered Phila- 
delphia in triumph, congress having previously removed 
lo Lqi\caster. 

16 



182 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1776. 

13. Tlie transactions of the contending annies at 
the nortli, since the termination of the expedition to 
Canada, now demand our attention. The Americans 
halted at Crown Point, the British at St. Johns, and both 
employed the remainder of the summer in building vessels 
and making preparations to secure the command of lake 
Champlain. 

14. On the 11th of October, 1776, the American and 
British squadrons met, colonel Arnold, who had been a 
saOor in his youth, commanding- the former. After a short 
contest, the enemy, not being then able to bring their whole 
force into action, retired. The next day, they returned to 
the combat, and being greatly superior, drove the American 
squadron before them, to the head of the lake. A sharp 
action then took place ; the officers and men fought 
gallantly, but Arnold losing a part of his force, and per- 
ceiving defeat to be inevitable, ran the remainder or his 
vessels on shore, and set them on fire. 

15. Winter approaching, governor Carleton returned 
with his troops to Canada. General Burgoyne, who had 
served under him during the last campaign, made a voyage 
to England to concert a plan for future operations. It was 
determined that a powerful army, departing from Montreal, 
should proceed, by way of lake Champlam, to tlie Hudson, 
with the view of obtaining, by tlie co-operation of tJie 
army at New York, the entire command of that river 
All communication between the states of New England, 
and the otliers lying south of tliem, Avould thus be pre- 
vented. Either section, alone and unsupported, could, it 
was supposed, be easily subdued ; and tlie whole sti-ength 
of the nation might tlien be directed against the other. 

16. Nothing was omitted which might insure the success 
of tliis project. Seven thousand choice troops, to be sent 
from England, were allotted to the service. They were 
supplied wiih an excellent train of brass artillery, and with 
every thing which could add to their efficiency as an army. 
Tiie command was given to Burgoyne, and several officers of 
distinguished reputation were selected to serve under him. 

17. General Schuyler, of New York, a worlliy officer, 
whose talents were solid but not brilliant, had the chief 
command of tlie northern department. He was indefatiga- 
ble m makmjj; preparations for defence ; and such was iiis 
zeal in the cause of independence, and such his deserved 
popularity in his native state, that he doubtless accom- 
plished more than anv otner person could have done. 



1777.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 183 

Still, at a late period in tlio spring, the fortifications were 
incomplete, and but few troops or munitions of war were 
collected. 

18. Very early in the season, Biirgoyne arrived at Que- 
bec. He rnimeaiately despatched colonel St. Lager witii 
a party of regulars, tories, and Indians, by the way of the 
St. Lawrence to Oswego, directino- him to proceed thence 
to the Mohawk, and join hlrn at Albany. With the main 
army, augmented, in Cariada, to ten thousand men, he 
hastened to Ticonderoga, before which he appeared on tiie 
first of July. On his way, he held a conference, at the 
river Bouquet, with a large number of savages, whom 
British agents had persuaded to join the army 

19. The garrison of Ticonderoga, which was then com- 
manded by general St. Clair, was insufficient to defend it 
against so powerful a force. It was evacuated in the night 
01 the 5th, the troops crossing lake Champlain and re- 
treating towards Castleton, in Vermont. The enemy pur- 
sued, and on the morning of tiie 7th, their van overtook 
and attacked the American rear, under colonels Francis 
and Warner. The action was warm and well contested ; 
but other troops arriving to the aid of the British, the 
Americans were compelled to give way 

20. The retreat now became precipitate and disorderly ; 
the pursuit rapid and persevering. At length, the republi- 
can army, diminished m number, exhausted by fatigue, and 
dispirited by misfortunes, arrived, by varibus routes, at 
fort Edward, on the Hudson, the head-quarters of general 
Schuyler. These disastrous events spread teiTor and 
dismay throughout the land. The people, ignorant of the 
weakness of the army, attributed its retreat to cowardice 
or treachery, and trembled at the dangers which menaced 
them from the British, Germans, and savages. 

21. The royal forces, elated bi^ success, proceeded 
tlwough the wilderness towards fort Edward. Their 
progress was slow and toilsome. General Schuyler, on 
then- approach, evacuated the fort, and retired across the 
Hudson to Saratoga. Soon after, he descended the river 
to Stillwater ; and, the British continuing to advance, he 
retreated, on the 14th of August, to the islands at the 
confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, a few miles north 
of Troy. About the same time, intelligence was received, 
tiiat St. Leger, having penetrated from Oswego to the 
Mohawk, had laid siege to fort Schuyler, situated in tlis 
present township of Rome, 



184 REVOLUTiONAliY WAR. [1777 

22. The American g-enoral, before leaving- fort Edward, 
issued a proclamation calling^ to his aid the militia of New 
England and New York. Aroused by the danger, multi- 
tudes obeyed his call. Vermont poured fortJi her daring 
Green Mountain boys ; the ether states of New England 
their hardy yeomanry, ardent in the cause of freedom; 
New York, her valiant sons, indignant at this invasion of 
her territory, and deterniined tc protect their property from 
pillage and destruction. Tliese beset the invaders on 
every side, impeding their progress, cutting off their sup- 
plies, and fatiguing them by incessant attacKs. 

23. Burgoyne, finding it difficult to transport his pro- 
visions through tiio wilderness, despatched colonel Bauni, 
witli five hundred Hessians, to seize a quantity of beef 
and flour which the Americans had collected and deposited 
at Bennington. Fortunately, general Stark, at tlie head 
of a party of New Hampshire militia, had just arrived at 
that place, on his way to the main army, and been joined 
by volunteers from the unmediate neighborhood. Baum, 
ascertaining their number to be greater tlian his own, 
Raited near Benr.ington, erected breastworlvs, and sent 
jack for a reinforcement. 

24. In several skirmishes between small detachments, 
Jie militia were uniformly successful. This sharpening 
tlieir courage, Stark resolved to attack tlie main body. 
On the Kith of August, a fierce and sanguinary battle took 
place. For two hours, the Hessians fougjjt bravely, but 
their works, assaulted by braver ti'oops, were at length 
entered, and most of the "detacliment either killed or made 
prisoners. 

25. Just after this action had terminated, colonel Brey- 
man arrived with the reinforcement sent to Baum. The 
militia, apprehending no danger, had dispersed in pursuit 
of plunder or the fugitives. By carelessness was nearly 
.ost all that by valoi^ had been gained.^ Happily, at this 
critical juncture, colonel Warner anived from Manchester 
with a continental regiment, and immediately fell upon 
Breyman. The militia, rallying, hastened to his aid. The 
battle continued until sunset, when the enemy retreated, 
and under cover of the night the greater part effected tlieir 
escape. 

2<). Tlie tide of fortune was now turned. The decisive 
victory at Bennington diffused confidence and joy. The 
friends of independence, before depressed by disaster and 
defeat^ were now animated by the prospect, which sud 



1777.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 185 

dcnly burst upon them, of a glorious victory over an arro- 
gant and once dreaded enemy. The greatest zeal and 
activity were every where displayed. Again crowds of 
militia flocked to the republican camp. 

27. In a few days, cheering intelligence arrived from fort 
Schuyler. The garrison, under colonels Gansevoort and 
Willetjhad, in the midst of tlie most discouraging circum- 
etances, made a gallant defence against tlie forces of St 
Leger. General Herkimer, marchmg with eight hundred 
militia to tlieir relief, fell into an ambuscade, was defeated 
and slain ; but a larger party Wiis speedily collected, and 
unmediately despatched, under general Arnold, upon the 
same service. 

28. The Indians, alarmed by tlioir approach, and fa- 
tigued and disgusted by the protracted laoors of the siege, 
tlireatened to abandon St.Leger,if he would not rehnquish 
his enterprise. He reluctantly consented, and with the 
loss of his baggage and stores retreated to Montreal. 
Burgoyne was tnus deprived of his expected co-operation, 
and \he militia of tliat part of the states were enabled to 
'oin tlie American armv. 

29. The disasters which befell this army at tlie com- 
mencement of the campaign induced congress to recall the 
generals who commnnaed it, and to appoint, in their places, 
generals Gates, Lincoln, and Arnold. Having tlie control 
of more abundant and powerful means, they acted with 
more energy and boldness. Gates, leaving the encamp- 
ment on tne islands, to which Schuyler nad retreated, 
advanced, in the beginning of September, to tlie neighbor- 
hood of Stillwater. 

30. Burgoyne, after tlie defeat of Baum, was obliged to 
have recourse, for provisions, to the magazines at fort 
George. The laborious task of transporting them throuo^h 
the wilderness to the Hudson being accomplished, ho 
moved forward, and, on tlie 17th of September, encamped 
within four miles of the American array. 

ai. The next day, the first battle of Stillwater waa 
fought It was begun by skirmishes between tlie scouting 
parties of tlie two armies, which were respectively ana 
repeatedly reinforced, until nearly tlie whole of each waa 
engaged. Both fouj^ht with determined resolution ; tliey 
alternately drove and were driven by each other. A con- 
tinual blaze of fire was kept up. Men, and particularly 
ctficers, dropped every moment and on every aide. Night 
put an end to tiie conflict 
16 » 



im REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1777 

32. The American army retired to their camp ; tlie 
British lay on their arms near tlie field of battle. The 
.OSS of the" former was three hundred and nineteen ; that 
of the latter exceeded five liundred. Each claimed the 
victoiT ; the consequences of defeat were felt by the 
Britisfi alone. Tlieir hopes of success were diminished ; 
tlieir Indian allies, the Canadians, and tories, were dis- 
heartened and deserted them. 

3.S. Pressed on oil sides, Barg-oyne made frequent and 
urgent applications to sir Henry Clinton, at New York, 
for aid, and informed him that, in expectation of such aicL 
he would maintain liis present position until tlie 1.2th or 
October. He diminisiied the allowance of provisions to 
his soldiers, and having waited until tlie 7th, witliout re- 
ceiving any intelligence from Clinton, determined to make 
another trial of strength with his adversary. 

34. He made dispositions to commence tlie action with 
tne right wing of his army ; Gates, discovering his design, 
made a sudden and vigorous attack upon the left. In a 
short time, the whole of both armies were engaged. This 
battle was furious, obstinate, and more bloody than the 
other. Aniold wa^ eminently distinguished for iiis bravery 
and rashness. Towards night, the enemy, who had fought 
with desperate valor, gave way. A part of their works 
were stormed and taken, and more than two hundred men 
made prisoners. 

3.">. Darkness put an end to tins action also. The 
Americans lay upon their arms near tlie enemy's lines, in- 
tending to renew the battle tTie next day ; but Burgoyne 
during the night, withdrew to a sti'onger position. Gates 
forbore to pursue, believing that a bloodless victory was 
now in his power. 

3(J. In the mean time, sir Henry Clinton despatched 
general Vaughan witli tliree thousand men, to endeavor to 
relieve Burgoyne. He ascended tlie Hudson, and on the 
sixtii of October, assaulted and took fort Montgomery , 
but instead of hastening forward, he consumed a whole 
week in pillaging and burning Esopus, and other flourish- 
ing villages on the river. He periiaps expected that tliia 
wanton destruction of property would draAv off a part of 
tlie forces under Gates; but it had no other effect than te 
exasperate the inhabitants. 

37. Burgoyne, perceiving tliat his antagonist was en- 
deavoring to surround hun, retreated to the heights of 
Saratoga. The Americans pursued, keeping a sufRcien 



1777.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 187 

force on the east bank of tlie river to prevent liim from 
crossing. The situation of the Britisii trooi>s was now 
distressing in the extreme. Many of their most vahied 
officers had been killed. Their streng-th was exhausted 
by incessant exertion ; tJiey were almost encircled by 
their enemy, and were greatly annoyed by a continual and 
destructive cannonade. From this forlorn condition but 
one mode of escape remained, a forced march in the night 
to fort G eorg-e. This expedient was resolved on, and prep- 
arations were made ; but the scouts sent out returned 
with intelligence that all the passes v/ere guarded by 
strong bodies of militia. 

38. An account of provisions was then taken, and a 
supply for no more tlian tliree days was found on hand. No 
hope of rescue within that time could be indulged. Bur- 
goyne summoned his principal officers to a council. It is 
said that while deliberating, a cannon ball crossed the 
table around which they sat. By tiieir unanimous advice, 
he opened a negotiation with the American genei-aJ, and on 
the 17th of October, suiTendered his whole army prisoners 
of war. 

39. Great were the rejoicings occasioned by this glorious 
victory. Many supposed that it \vould terminate Uie con 
test. In the joy of success, all feelings of resentment 
were forgotten. From regard to the feelings of the van- 
(juished, general Gates, while they were piling their arms, 
kept the victorious troops within his camp. The British 
officers, in social converse with the Americans, were led 
to forget their misfortune, and the troops, when on their 
march to Massachusetts, did not receive from the people 
that vindictive treatment which their distressin«»' depre- 
dations, and those of their fellow soldiers under Vaughan, 
would have excused, if not justiiied. 

40. Against this band of marauders, general Gates 
marched soon after the capitulation was signed; but on 
learning the fate of Burgoyne, they retired to New York. 
About the same time, the garrison left at Ticonderoga, 
having rendered their cannon useless, returned to Canada, 
and the northern department was restored to perfect tran- 
quillity. 

41. While the exertions of the northern anny were re- 
warded by brilliant success, that of the south, equally 
bra.ve and meritorious, but enfeebled by the detachments 
which Washington generously spared to Gates, sustained 
distressing reverses. The greatest was at Germantown, 



188 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. tl777 

in the vicinity of Philadelphia, where tlie main body of the 
enemy was stationed. 

42. Upon this body, at sunrise, on the 4tli of October, 
tlie American general made a bold and vigorous attack. So 
sudden and spirited Avas the onset, that me enemy, unable 
to sustain it, fled, and a complete victory appeared in pros- 
pect. But six British companies, while retreating, tlirew 
tliemselves into a large stone house, from wliich, in entire 
safety, tliey poured a destructive fire upon the American 
troops. The pursuit was arrested, and much time con- 
sumed in a vain attempt to demolish this fortress. 

43. The fugitives rallied, and turned upon the assailants. 
Confusion followed, and a thick fog, wliich that moment 
arose, increased it. Tlie different divisions, ignorant of 
tlie positions and success of the others, uncertain even as 
to tlicir own, acted with indecision and timidity. A retreat 
was tlierefore directed, and the ti'oops witlidrew in good 
order. 

44. In this action, in Avhich fortune snatcned victory 
from the grasp of the Americans, they sustained a loss of 

'velve hundred men ; that of the British was less than six 
ounared. But the vanquislied sustained no loss of repu- 
tation nor confidence. Their country applauded the bold- 
ness of the attempt, and the enemy felt higher respect for 
tlieir courage and discipline. 

45. The British army soon after left GermantoAvn, and 
marched to attack the American posts on the river Dela- 
ware below Philadelphia. On the 22d of October, a body 
of twelve hundred Hessians, commanded by count Donop, 
made an intrepid assault upon the fortifications at Red 
Bank. They Avcre repulsed Avith great loss, and their 
gallant leader killed. 

4(>. Fort Mifihn, on Mud Island, was next attacked. 
For six days it Avas bravelv defended. It was then evac- 
uated, the worlis having been almost demolished by the 
enemy's artillery. Preparations being made for a second 
assault, Avith a much kirger force, upon the post at Red 
Bank, tliat Avas also evacuated, and thus Avas opened a free 
communication betAveen the British army and their fleet, 
which had sailed round to the mouth of the DelaAvare. 

47. After several movements of the respective armies, 
which had no important result, general Washington Avith- 
drew tij Avinter quarters in the Avoods of Valley Forge. 
His troops Avere destitute of shoes, and might have 
been tracked by tlie blood of their feet Tliey parsed tho 



1777.] RP^VOLUTIONARY WAR. 189 

winter iii huts, suffered extreme distress from u^ant of 
clothing and of food, but endured their privations wthout 
a murmur. How strong; must have been their love of 
liberty! With wiiat hvely gratitude ought a prosperous 
country, indebted to them for tlie most valuable blessings, 
to remember their sufferings and services ! 



CHAPTER XX. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1778. 

While the American amiies were contending in the 
field, or suflTering in the camp, congress were occuj)ied in 
the performance of duties important to the cause ol inde- 
pendence. At first, this body possessed no powers, but 
such as were conferred by the credentials and instructions 
given, by the state legislatures, to tlieir respective dele- 
gates. Early in J 776, a confederation of tlie states was 
nroposed; but until the 15th of November, 1777, all the 
obstacles to the nleasure could not be surmounted. 

2. The "Articles of Confederation" then adopted by 
congress, and subsequently ratified by the several assem- 
blies, bound the states in a firm league of friendsiiip witli 
each other, for their com.mon defence and the security of 
their liberties. Delegates were to be annually appointed, 
who, when assembled in congress, were authorized to 
carry on v/ar, to make peace, and to exercise the powers 
of sovereignty m relation to foreign nations. They were 
also authorized to determine tlie number of men, and the 
amount of money to be raised, and to assign to eacli state 
its just proportion. 

3. But so unwilling were the states to relinquish tlieir 
recently assumed uidependence, that they withhold from 
congress the autliority to make laws which should operate 
directly upon tlie people; and reserved to themselves the 
sole ' gilt of raising their proportions of money in such 
man..er as each might deem most expedient. 

4. Congress also effected a thorough reform of the com- 
missary department, in which scandalous frauds had been 
committed. And in order to introduce a uniform system 
of tactics and discipline, they resolved that an inspector- 
general should be appointed. Subsequently they elected 
to that office the baron Steuben, a native ot' Prussia, who 



190 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1778. 

had served in a high station in tlie army of Frotleric tlie 
Great, and was well versed in the system of manoeuvres 
mtroduced by that celebrated conmiander. 

5. The signal victory at Saratoga exalted the reputation 
of tlie confederated states, in every part of Europe. The 
French ministry no longer hesitated to acknowledge tlifeir 
independence. On the 6th of February, they concluded, 
with the American commissioners, treaties of commerce 
and of alliance, in which they generously assented to 
terms highly advantageous to tlie states. This event, so 
flattering to the hopes and the pride of the people, occa- 
sioned the liveliest joy, and tlie most ardent gratitude lo 
France. 

6. Among the people of Great Britain, the defeat of 
tlieir favorite general produced astonishment, dismay, and 
indignation. J'lie most brilliant success was anticipated : 
tlie most ignominious result had occurred. The pride oi 
tlie nation wsls humbled, and they who had disapproved of 
the war, poured upon tlie ministry a torrent of invective. 
To increase the bitterness of tlieir chagrin, they soon 

earned tlie course wliich their hereditary enemy and rival 
lad resolved to pursue. 

7. It was now determined, in the cabinet, to grant to 
Aanerica all that she had demanded, in the beginning of the 
tontest. An act was passed, declaring tliat parliament 
would notjii future, impose any tax upon tlie colonics; 
and commissioners were sent over, authorized to proclaim 
a repeal of all the offensive statutes, and to treat with tlie 
constituted authorities of America. 

8. The commissioners, arriving at Philadelphia in the 
spring, communicated to congress the terras oifered.by 
Great Britain, which were at once unanimously rejected. 
Failing in the use of direct and honorable means, tliey 
attempted bribery and corruption. To .Joseph Reed, a 
general in the aniiy and a member of congress, an offer 
was made of ten tliousand pounds steiTing, and any office 
within his majesty's gift in the colonies, if he would en- 
deavor to effect a reunion of tlie two countries. " I am 
not worth purchasing," he nobly replied, "but such as I 
am. the king of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it." 

9. On receiving official notification of the treaties con- 
cluded witli lier revolted colonies, Great Britain declared 
war against France ; and the ministry, presuming tliat 
assistance would be sent them, transmitted orders by the 
commissioners, that Philadelphia should be evacuated, 



1778.1 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 19. 

and the royal troops concentrated at New York. The 
execution of these orders devolved upon sir Henry Clinton, 
who, general Howe having resig'ned, had been appointed 
commander- in-cliief. On tlie ISth of June, the enemy 
quitted the city, and marched slowly eastward. 

jO. Washington, leaving his huts in the forest, hung 
upon the rear of tlie British army, watching for a favorable 
opportunity to offer battle. On arriving at Momnoutli, in 
New Jersey, general Lee, who had lately been exchanged, 
was ordered to take the command of five thousand men, 
and, early in the morning of the 28tli, unless there should 
be powerful reasons to the contrary, to commence an at- 
tack. He was assured, that the residue of the amiy 
should follow and give him support. 

11. Lee made dispositions to attack accordingly, but 
perceiving tJie main body of the enemy returning to meet 
him, he retreated. Washington, advancing to render the 
promised support, saw him retiring, rode forward, and 
addressed him in language implying disapprobation of his 
conduct. He then directed him to fomi his men on 
ground which he pointed out, and there oppose the prog* 
ress of the enemy. 

12. These orders were executed with finnness. A 
wann engagemeni ensued, and Iiee,when forced from the 
ground, brought off his troops m good order. Washington, 
at this moment, arrived with the main body of his army, 
which joined in the action, and compelled the enemy to 
fall back to the position from which Lee had been driven. 

13. The day had been intertsely hot ; it was now almost 
dark, and the troops were much fatigued. Further opera- 
tions were therefore deferred until the next morning. In 
the night, sir Henry Clinton silently left his position, and 
continued his march to New York. His loss amounted te 
near five hundred men ; that of the Americans to tbjeft 
hundred. Heat and excessive fatigue proved fatal to 
many. 

14. Lee, irritable and proud, could not forget the manner 
in which Washington had addressed him; and in two 
passionate letters, demanded reparation. A court martial 
was instituted ; he was found guilty of misconduct on the 
day of battie,and of disrespect to the commander-in-chief, 
and was suspended from command for one year. He never 
afterward? joined the army, but died in seclusion just be- 
fore the close of the war. 

15. The enemy having entered New York. Washington 



J92 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1778. 

conducted his army to White Plains. Con^rress returned 
to Philadelphia ; and in July received, with inexpressible 
joy, a letter from the count d'Estaino-, announcing his 
an-ival on the coast of the United States, witli a Targe 
fleet, which had been sent, by thekmcr of France, to assist 
them in their strugjrle for independence. 

16. The count mtended to surprise admiral Howe in 
the Delaware, but adverse winds detained him on the 
passage, until the British fleet had sailed for New York. 
He appeared before that harbor, but on sounding- found tliat 
liis largest ships could not enter it. A combined attack, 
by land and water, upon the British forces at Newport, in 
Rhode Island, was iho.n projected. 

17. General Sullivan, who had been appointed to com- 
mand the troops, called upon the militia oi New England 
to aid him in the enterprise. His army soon amounted 
to ten thousand men, and, as he was supported by the 
fleet, he felt confident of success. On the ninth of 
August, he took a position on the north end of Rhode 
Island, and afterwards moved nearer to Newport. Admi- 
ral Howe, havinfy received a reinforcement, noAV appeared 
before the harbor, and the count mstantly put to sea to 
attack him. 

18. While makincr tlie preparatory mauoeuvres, a furious 
etorm came on, which, dan lai^ed and dispersed both fleets. 
As soon as the weather would pennit, each commander 
sought tlie port from which he hud sailed. The army, 
intent upon their own object, witnessed with joy the re- 
turn of the French fleet; and great was their disappoint- 
ment when the count announced his intention of proceed- 
ing to Boston to refit. The American officers remon- 
strated, but he was inflexible, and departed. 

19. Tlie army, deserted by the fleet, could remain no 
longer, with safety, on the island; as the enemy mi<rht easily 
transport, by water, large reinforcements from New York 
to Newport. Genera! Sullivan immediately retreated to 
his first position. He was pursued, and, shortly after halt- 
ing, was pttacked by the enemy. They were gallantly 
resisted and repulsed with loss. 

20. The next day, the two annies cannonr jed each 
other, and the succeeding night the American general, 
deceiving the enemy by a show of resistance to the 
last, made a skilful retreat to the continent. A few hours 
afterwards, the British received such an augmentation of 
their force, that all resistance, on the jmrt of tlie Ameri 



1778.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 193 

cans, would have been vain. At the close of the season, 
the French fleet sailed to tlie West Indies. 

21. During this year, tlie British troops and their allies 
displayed, in several instances, a degree of barbarity sel- 
dom equalled in contests between civilized nations. That 
they were contending against revolted subjects, seemed 
to r-elease them, in their viev/, from all regard to the 
common usagiBs of war. The late alliance with France, 
tlie hated rival of their nation, increased their hostility. 
Instead of striving to conquer an honorable foe, thej 
thirsted as for vengeance on a criminal and outlaw. 

22. With such vindictive feelings, Wyoming, a happy 
and flourishing settlement in Pennsvlvania, was attacked 
by a band of tories and Indians. 'The men were butch- 
ered, the houses burned, and the cattle driven oif or killed. 
Those who had been made widows and orphans were 
left without shelter and without food. Seldom has war 
spread distress and ruin over a more delightful region. 
New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, Eggharbor, and Cner- 
ryvalley, were also visited and ravaged by the enemy. 
All the property within reach was destroyed, and multi- 
tudes of peaceful and unoffending inhabitants '\'/ere reduced 
to poverty and wretchedness. 

23. But in no instance did the enemy evince more 
ferocious, unrelenting cruelty than in their attack upon 
colonel Baylor's troop of light dragoons. While asleep 
in a barn at Tappan, tliey were surprised by a party under 

feneral Grey, who commanded his soldiers to use the 
ayonet only, and to give the rebels no quarter. Incapa- 
ble of defence, they sued for mercy. But the most 
pathetic supplications were lieard without awakening 
compassion m the commander. Nearly one half of the 
troop were killed. To many, repeated thrusts were bar- 
barously given as long as signs oihfe remained. Several^ 
wiio had nine, ten, and eleven stabs tlirough the body, 
ana were left for dead, afterwards recovered. A few 
escaped, and forty were saved by the humanity of a Brit- 
ish captain, who dared to disobey the orders of tiis general. 

24. Late in the fall, the army under Washington erected 
huts near Middlebrook, in iSlew Jersey, in which they 
passed the winter. In this campaign, but little on either 
side was accomplished. The alliance with France gave 
birth to expectations which events did not fulfil ; yet the 
presence of her fleets on the coast deranged the plans of 
the enemy, and induced them to relinquish a part of tlieir 

17 



194 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1779. 

conquests. At the close of the year, it "vvas apparent that 
Great Britain had made no progress in tlie accomplishment 
of her purposes. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 

The campaign of 1779 was distinguished by a change 
of the theatre of war from the northern to tlie southern 
section of the confederacy. Thither the enemy were 
invited bv the prospect of easier victory. The countrj* 
was rendered weak by its scattered population, by tlie 
multitude of slaves, and by the number of tories inter- 
mingled w\ih the whigs. 

2. Near tlie close of the preceding year, lieutenant- 
colonel Campbell, with 2500 men, sailed from New York 
to the coast of Georpfia, and landed his troops. Marching 
towards Savannah, the capital, he met on his route a smafl 
body of Americans, whom he defeated, and immediately 
took possession of the city. A detachment from Florida 
under general Prevost invested Sunbury, which, after the 
fall of me capital, surrendered at discretion. These were 
the only military post^ in Georofia. All the troops that 
could escape retreated into South Carolina. 

3. Soon after the conquest of Georgia, general Lincoln 
took command of the American troops in tlie southern 
department. In April, leaving South Carolina, he marched 
into the interior of Georgia; upon which the British army, 
entering the state he had left, invested Charleston, the 

apital. Lincoln hastened back to its defence. On hearing 
^liis approach, the enemy retired to Stono ferry. Thither 
Lincoln pursued them. An indecisive action was fougiit; 
and a ^ew days afterwards, they continued their retreat to 
Savannah. 

4. The heat of tlie season suspended further operations 
until September. Count d'Estaing, with a fleet carrying 
()000 troops, then arrived on the coast The two annies, 
in concert, laid siege to Savannah. At the expiration of 
a month, the count, impatient of delay, insisted that the 
siege should be abandoned, or that a combined assault 
upon the enemy's works should immediately be made. 
General I4ncoln determined upon an assault. Great 



1779.1 REVOLUTION AivY WAR. 195 

gallantry was displayed by the Frencli and American, but 
greater by the British troops. They repulsed tlie assail- 
ants, killing and wounding nearly a tiiousand men, and 
sustaining, on their part, but little loss. The count Pulas- 
ki, a celebrated Polish nobleman, in the service of tlie 
states, was mortally wounded. The next day the siege 
was raised, the French returning home, and the Americana 
to South Carolina. 

5. In the midst of tliese events, general Matthews, 
sailing from New York, conducted an expedition against 
Virginia. On the 10th of May,, he took possession of 
Portsmouth Avithout opposition, and ravaged, for two 
weeks, tliat city and the adjacent country. The booty 
obtained, and the property destroyed, were of immense 
value. Before the expiration of May, the party returned 
to New York. 

6. Early in the season, colonel Clarke, of Virginia, who 
was stationed at Kaskaskia, on the Mississippi, achieved 
an enterprise conspicuous for boldness of design, and 
evincing uncommon hardihood in its execution. With 
only one hundred and thirty men, he penetrated through 
the wildemess, to St. Vincents, a British post on the 
vVabash, in the heart of the Indian country. His- route 
ay across deep swamps and morasses. For four or five 
nules the party waded through water, often as high as the 
breast. After a march of sixteen days, they reached the 
town, which, having no intimation of their approach, sur- 
rendered without resistance. A short time after, the fort 
capitulated. This fortunate achievement arrested an ex- 
pedition which the enemy had projected against the fron- 
tiers of Virginia, and detached several trmes of Indiana 
from the British interest. 

7. The atrocities committed at Wyomino;', and at seve- 
ral settlements in New York, cried aloud for vengeance. 
Congress, assembling an army of 4000 men, gave the com- 
mand of it to generalSullivan, and directed him to conduct 
it into the country inhabited by the savages, and retort 
upon them their own system of Avarfare. Of this army, 
one division marched from the Mohawk, the otlier from 
Wyoming, and both forming a junction on the Susque- 
hannah, proceeded, on the 22d of August, towards tlie 
Seneca lake. 

8. On an advantageous position, the Indians, in con- 
junction with 200 tories, nad erected fortifications to 
oppose their progress These were assaulted ; the enemy 



19() IIEVOJ.UTIONARY WAR. |]779 

after a slig-ht resistance, gave Avay, and disappeared in the 
woods. As the army advanced nito tiie western part of 
the state of New \ork, that region now so fertile and 
populous, the Indians deserted their towns, the appearance 
of which denoted a higher state of civilization than had 
ever before been witnessed in the Nortii American wil- 
derness. The houses were commodious; the apple and 
peach-trees numerous, and the crops of com then ofro wing 
abundart. All were destroyed ; not a vestige of human 
industry was penriitted to exist. 

9. Having accomplished this work of vengeance, severe 
but deserved, and essential to the future safety of the 
whites, general Sullivan returned to Easton, in Pennsyl- 
vania, where he arrived about the middle of October. 
His vvhole loss, by sickness and the enemy, amounted to 
but forty men. 

10. On the first of July, general Try on sailed from New 
York with a large body of troops, and landing on the coast 
of Connecticut, plundered New Haven, and laid Fairfield 
and Nor^valk in ashes. Before his return, general Wayne, 
with a detachment from the American army, made a daring 
assault upon Stony Point, a strono-ly fortified post on the 
Hudson. About twelve atnifrht, the troops, with unloaded 
muskets, arrived before the lines. They were received 
witii a tremendous discharge of grape-shot and musketry. 
Rushing forward, they mounted the walls, and, using the 
bayonet only, were soon in complete possession of the fort. 

l^. A more g^allant exploit has seldom been performed ; 
and the humanity of tiie victors was equal to their valor. 
Not\^'ithstandin^ the devastations in Connecticut, and the 
butchery of Baylor's troop, the scene of which was near, 
not an individual suffered after resistance had ceased. 
Of the enemy, sixty were killed, and upwards of five hun- 
dred made prisoners. The loss of the Aiii-Ticans was 
comparatively small. A gold medal, presented by congress, 
rewarded the heroism of the victor. 

Vi. In September, a bloody naval battle was fought, 
near the coast of Scotland, in which John Paul Jones 
acquired tlie reputation of a daring and fortunate comman- 
der. He was a Scotchman by birtl^but had been appointed, 
by the American congress, a captain in their navy, and 
then commanded a squadron fitted out in the ports of 
France. At half past seven in U^e evening, his own ship, 
the Bon Homme Richard, of 40 guns, engaged the Serapis, 
a British frijrate of 44. Alter tlie action had continued 



ITTU.l REVOLUTIOJNARV WAR. 197 

an hour, the two frigates approaclied so near to each other 
that Jones, seizing the opportunity, lashed tliem together 

13. The battle now became fiirious, and the carnage 
horrible. The Serapis was on fire not less than ten times ; 
and often botli frigates were on fire at the same moment, 
presenting a sublime and dreadful spectacle. At length, 
the Alliance, one of Jones's squadron, came to his assist- 
ance ; but the two frigates being fastened togetlier, many 
of her shot struck the Bon Ilonune Richard. At ten o'clock, 
Jie Serapis sun-endered. Her successful antagonist Avaa 
so shattered, tliat tiie crew Avere obliged to leave her im- 
mediately, and she soon after sunk. The Pallas, wnich 
was also one of Jones's squadron, engaged at the same time 
and captured the Countess of Scarborough. The snuadron 
with the prizes then sailed for Holland, and arrived tliere 
in safety. 

14. At the close of tlie season, the nortliern army retired 
into winter quarters, one division near Morristo-wn. in New 
Jersey, and Uie other in the vicinity of V/est Point, an 
important post in the highlands. Here thej' endured severe 
and constant suflerin<r from cold, and nakedness, and hun- 

fer. Sometimes half the usual allowance, often less, wa.s 
istributed to tJie troops ; and more tlian once the provis- 
ions were wholly exhausted. 

15. Appfication for relief was made to the magistrates 
of the neighborhood, and intimations were given tliat pro- 
visions, so pressing were tlie wants of the army, would 
be seized oy force, if not furnished voluntarily. The 
magistrates promptly attended to the call. They levied 
contributions arbitrarily from the people, who submitted 
to these exactions with a degree of patriotism equalled 
only by that displayed by the soldiers in tlie patient en- 
durance of distress. 

16. Derangement in the finances produced these suffer- 
ings. Large sums had been annually raised and expended 
and the ability of the people to pay taxes had progressively 
decreased. To supply deficiencies, paper money, to the 
amount of about one hundred and fifty millions of dollars, 
had been issued. This gradually depreciated, and, at the 
close of 1779, thirty dollars in paper were of no more value 
than one in specie. To purchase provisions witli this 
money was at first difficult, and then impossible ; and 
congress now found their funds and theh* credit exhausted. 

1 / . A change of system was necessary. For the supply 
of the army, each state was directed to furnish a certain 
17* 



198 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. J1780 

quantity of provisions and forage. Loans were solicited 
froro the people, and nearly a million of dollars was raised 
by bills (Irawn upon tlie American acrents in Europe, in 
anticipation of loans which they had been authorized to 
procure. These expedients afforded but temporary and 
partial relief 

18. No class of persons suffered more from the depre- 
ciation of paper money tlian the army, and especially the 
officers. The pay, even of those of the hio-nest grade^ 
was rendered insufficient to provide them with necessary- 
clothing. Discontent began to pervade tlie wliole army 
It required all the entliusiastic patriotism which distin- 
guishes the soldier of principle ; all that ardent attachment 
to freedom which brought them into the field ; all the 
influence of tlie commander-in-chief, whom they almost 
adored, to retain in the service men who felt tliemselves 
cruelly neglected by the country whose battles they fought. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1780. 

The first military operations of the enemy, in the year 
1780, Avere directed against Charleston, the capital of 
South Carolina. In the beginning of February, sir Henry 
Clinton appeared before that place, at the head of a part 
of his army. The assembly, whicii was then sittings, 
delegated to governor Rutledge, a patriot of splendid 
talents, and toliis council, " tJie power to do every thin» 
necessary for tlie public good, except taking away *Jie life 
of a citizen," and adjourned. Armed with this extraordi- 
nary power, he made great exertions to call into action the 
stren^tii of tlie state, and to place its capital in a posture 
of defence. 

2. The people of the country disregarded his repeated 
calls. Not more tlian two Hundred repaired to Charleston. 
The CTaiTLSon, commanded by general Lincoln, consisted of 
a body of militia from the countr}', of the citizens, of one 
thousand North Carolina militia, and of two thousand reg- 
ulars. The number of the enemy, when all their rein- 
forcement had arrived, amounted to nine tliousand. 

3. On tlie Jst of April, the siege was begun in tbrm. by 
the erection of works at tlie distance of eleven hundrod 



1780.] REVOLUTIQNARY WAR. im 

yards fi-om the city. On the 9th, the fleet, propelled by a 
strong wind, passed tlie forts on Sullivan's island, witiiout 
stoppnig to return their fire, and chained entire com 
mand of the harbor. On the 14th, lieutenant-colonel 
Tarleton surprised a body of cavalry, which, to preserve a 
communication with the country, had been stationed at 
Monk's Corner. Soon after, batteries were erected nearer 
tlie city, from wliich the fire was incessant and destruc- 
tive. 

4. An offer to capitulate was then made ; but the British 
commander refused to a.ccept the terms proposed. On his 
part, tenns were offered, which were rejected by g-eneral 
Lincoln. The siege was then Dressed with increased 
vigor, and approaches made to within musket-shot of tlie 
American lines. The soldiers within were often killed at 
their f^uns by the enemy's m-arksmen. 

5. The citizens, whose intercession had induced jreneral 
Lincoln to determine to defend the place, perceiving that 
preparations for an assault were in forwardness, and seeing- 
no liope of relief or escape, now requested him to accept 
the terms which sir flenry Clinton had proposed. A ne- 
gotiation between the two commanders was, in conse- 
quence, opened, and on the IJith of May, the capitulation 
was siofned. 

6. The capital having surrendered, measures were 
adopted to overawe tlie inhabitants of the country, and 
induce tliem to return to their allegiance to the' king. 
Garrisons were placed in different parts of the state, and 
2000 men were despatched towards North Carolina, to 
renel several parties of militia, who were hastening to the 
relief of Charleston. Colonel Tarleton, making a rapid 
march of one hundi-ed and five miles in fifty- four hoiu's, 
met, at the Waxhaws, and attacked one of these parties, 
commanded by colonel Buford. His force, being superior, 
was soon victorious. The vanquished, ceasing to resist, 
implored for (juarter. Their cries were disregarded. Up- 
wards of two hundred and fifty were killed, or too badly 
wounded to be removed from the field. This barbarous 
massacre spread dismay throughout the country, and gave 
a sanguinary character to future conflicts. 

7. To avoid being treated as enemies, the greater part 
of the inhabitants eitlier gave their parole as prisoners, 
or submitted to become subjects of the king. Sir 
Henry (7iinton, afterwards, by proclamation, discharged the 
former from then- parole, ana called upon all to embody 



200 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [178a 

as militia in the service of Great Britain. Indio'nant at 
this dishonorable conduct, which left them only the alter- 
native of fighting for or against their country, multitudes, 
eeizmg their arms, resolved on a vindictive war witli tlieir 
invaders 

8. A party, who had taken refuge in North Carolina, 
chose colonel Sumpter their leader. At the head of 
tliese, he returned to his own state, attacked and defeated 
several scattered detachments from the British army. In 
one engagement, so decisive was his victory, tliat nine 
only out of nearly three hundred escaped. By a succes- 
sion of gallant enterprises, he reanimated tlie' friends of 
freedom, and a spirit of determiiipd hostility to Great 
Britain was again manifested in every part of the state. 

9. This spirit was cherished by the approach, from the 
north, of 4000 men, principally continentals, under the 
command of general Gates. On their march through a 
sterile country, they endured all the evils and distresses of 
extreme famine. Lord Cornwallis, whom Clinton, on his 
return to New York, had leit commander-in-chief, hasten- 
ed to oppose, in fxerson, this victorious general. He 
placed himself at the head of two thousand veteran troops 
who had before been stationed at Camden, on tlie northern 
border of the state. 

10. On the night of tlie 15th of August, he marched, 
with his whole force, to attack tlie Americans in their 
camp at Clermont. 'I'hey, at the same hour, began to 
move towards Camden. The advanced parties met in the 
night, and engaged. In several skirmishes which took 
place, tlie British obtained the advantage. TJiis made a 
deep impression on the militia, whose spirits were depress- 
ed by gloomy ibrebodings. 

11; When tlie morning dawned, tlie enemy advanced to 
tlie attack. At tlie first onset, tJie Virginia militia fled 
from the field, and their example was followed by others. 
The continentals, though left alone to contend with supe- 
rior numbers, m?intaiiicd tJie conflict Avith great finnness. 
For a short time, they had the advantatre of their opponents, 
bat were at length overpowered, and the flight became 
general. 

]2. The fugitives were pursued by Tarleton's legion 
with relentless fury. When all were killed, captured or 
dispersed, the pursuers, witli speed unchecked, took the 
route towards Sumpter's encampment. 1'his active par- 
tisan, who liad lately been victorious in a skirmish, retreat- 



1780.] REVOLU'lIONARY WAR. 201 

ed prt'cipitatelv, en heariiifr of the defeat of Gates. At 
the Catawba ford, supposing he was beyond danger, he 
halted, that his troops, who were fatigued, might repose. 
His sentinels slept at Uieir posts, and tlie legion rode into 
his camp before preparations could be made for defence. 
Between three and four hundred were killed or wounded. 
The remainder were dispersed in the woods ; three hun- 
dred prisoners wore releai>ed ; all the baggage and stores 
fell into the power of the victors. 

18. Again supposing the state to be subdued, Cornwallis 
adopted measures of extreme severity to suppress every 
latent inclination to revolt He directed that all who, 
havtng once submitted, had lately sfiven aid to the armies 
of congress, should be deprived of their property and im- 
prisoned ; and that all, who had once borne arms with Ihe 
Rritisii, and afterwards joined the Americans, should sutler 
death. In consequence of these orders, several were exe- 
cuted,and many were reduced to poverty and wretchedness. 

14. In these times of confusion ana distress, the mis- 
chievous effects of slavery in facilitating the conquest of 
tlie countr}'^, became apparent. As tlie slaves had no in- 
terest at stake, the subjugation of the states was a matter 
of no consequence to thorn. Instead of aiding in its de- 
fence, they, by a variety of means, tiirew the weight of 
tlieir little influence into the opposite scale. 

15. There were yet some citizens, who, in all fortunes, 
adhered with firmness to the cause of independence. Of 
these, in one part of the state, general Sumpter was the 
leader, in another, general Marion. The cavalry of the 
latter were so destitute oT the weapons of war, that they 
were obliged to cut their swords from the saws of the 
eaw-mills. He was so successful in concealing himself 
in woods and marshes, that the enemy were never able to 
attack or discover him. From these dark retreats he 
oflen sallied fortri, and fell unexpectedly upon parties of 
the enemy, when marching through the country, or posted 
in garrisons to overawe the inhabitants. In one of these 
sallies, he released one hundred and fifty continentals 
captured at Camden. His repeated and successful excur- 
sions preserved alive tPie spirit of resistance, and his high 
fame as a partisan was never tarnished by any violation of 
the laws of war or humanity. 

16. Of those who submitted through fear, or from at- 
tachment to the royal cause, major Ferguson, a British 
officer of distinguished merit, wad appointed conunandcr 



3{» REVOLUTIOJNTAIIY WAR. [1780. 

Ho was despatched, by Cornwallia, into the western part 
of North Carolina, where, other tories johiing- him, his 
force was ang-mented to 1400 men. A n enterprise ao^ainst 
this party was concerted by the commanders of the militia, 
in the adjacent parts of the two Carohnas and Vu-ginia. 
About the 1st of October, they, by great exertions, assem- 
bled 3000 men at Gilbert-town. From these, fifteen hun- 
dred choice ^1-flemen were selected ; Avho, mounted on tlie 
best horses, hastened to the attack of Ferguson. 

17. He awaited them on the top of Kind's mountain. 
The militia, nx three divisions, led by colonels Cleveland, 
Shelby, and Campbell, ascended it m different directions. 
These divisions, successively arriving, were each repulsed ; 
but each, when the enemy, by an atta(;k from a different 
quarter, were recalled from pursuit, returned again to tlic 
charge. In this manner the action was continued for an 
h()ur with great spirit. Ferguson was then killed ; and 
witl^i him expired the courage of his party. Fiight hun- 
dred threw down their anus, and became prisoners. One 
hundred and fifty were killed. Very few of the assail- 
ants fell. 

18. Cornwallis, confident of his ability to subjugate the 
state, had followed Ferguson into North Carolina. Re- 
ceiving notice of his entire defeat, he returned and took 
post at Winnsborough. As he retired, Gates, who had 
assembled an army of 1400 men, advanced to Charlotte, 
where he determined to pass tlie winter. He was soon 
after recalled by cono-ress, and, on the recommendation of 
Washington, general Greene was withdrawn from the 
northern army to take command of the department of the 
south. 

19. By the northern army, which, as has been stated, 
was posted at West Point and Morristown, little more 
was attempted, during tlie year, than to watch the motions 
'if the euemy in New York, and protect the inhabitants 
from tJieir incursions. The troops, unfed, unpaid, and 
unemployed, discovered, at various tunes, a disposition to 
mutiny. On tliese occasions, the British commander, by 
means of emissaries sent among them, invited them to 
repair to the city, where he promised them comfort and 
abundance. His invitations were disregarded. Rehef 
from distress was all they sought, and when tliat was ob- 
tained, they cheerfully returned to their duty. 

20. In July, a French squadron under admiral Temay, 
bringing 6000 troops, commanded by count Rochambeau, 



1780.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 203 

arrived at Rhode Island, Avhicli had previously been cxnc- 
uai.ed hy the enemy ; they were immediately blockaded 
in ihe harbor they had entered, by a British fleet. Rein- 
forced by these troops, Washington determined to attack 
JN 2^\ York ; the anny marched to stations nearer the city, 
and rejoiced in the hope of beinor able to accomplish 
something for their country ; but me arrival from Eng- 
land of anoUier fleet, under admiral Rodney, disconcerted 
the plan which had been formed. 

21. Defeat at the south and disappointment at the 
north overshadowed the land with gloom; but intelli- 
gence that treason had appeared in the American camp 
occasioned amazement and alarm. The traitor was 
Arnold, whom bravery in battle, and fortitude in suffering, 
had placed high in the affections of the people. 

22. Upon the evacuation of Philadelphia, by the enemy, 
in 1778, he was appointed commander of that station. 
Here, indulging in all the pleasures of an expensive equi- 
page and sumptuous table, he contracted debts which he 
was unable to discharge. To extricate himself from 
embarrassment^, he made large claims against the govern- 
ment, a portion of which was rejected. He was accused 
of extortion and of misuse of the public money; and for 
these offences was tried by a court martial, and sentenced 
to be reprimanded by the conmiander-in-chief. 

23. From this moment, he determined to avenge his 
wounded pride and supply his wants, by betraying his 
country. In a letter to a British officer, ne signified his 
change of principle, and his wish to restore himself to the 
favor of his prince, by some signal proof of his repentance. 
And about mis time, for a purpose which afterwards too 
I)Iainly appeared, he solicited and obtained the command 
of West Point, the most important post in the possession 
of the American armies. 

24. He immediately opened a correspondence -with sir 
Henry Clinton, and proposed to deliver into his power 
tlie post that hJe commanded. To agree upon the mode 
of surrender, major Andre, a youn^ man of splendid talents, 
and adjutant-general of the British army, ascended the 
river frorn New York, and, in the night, at a place near 
tlie American lines, had an interview with Arnold. Be- 
fore he wac prepared to return, the sloop of war Avhich 
brought him Avas compelled to move down the river. 

25. In this emergency, Andre, disguised as a traveller, 
assuming the name of Anderson, and furnished by Arnold 



•<!04 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. |1780 

Avith a pass, set out to return by land to New York. 
He passed all the guards and posts without awakening 
suspicion ; but was stopped, when near the end of his 
journey, by fehree of the New York militia, v/hose namee 
were Pauldincr, Williams, and Vanwart. Supposing them 
to be soldiers of his own anny, instead of producing his 
pass, he declared himself a British officer, and desired he 
might not be detained. 

2(>. On discovering his mistake, he offered them a 
purse of gold and a valuable watch, and promised more 
ample rewards from his government, if they would per- 
mit him to escape. Rejecting, with patriotism worthy 
of all praise, these tempting offers, they conducted him 
to colonel Jameson, Avho was stationed near the American 
lines. In his boots were found a particular statement of 
the strength of the garrison, and a description of the 
works at West Point. Anxious for the safety of Arnold, 
he desired the colonel to inform him that Anderson was 
taken. An express was unwarily despatched with tlie 
intellig-ence. Arnold, comprehending his danger, made a 
precipitate flight to New York. 

27. Andre, disdaining longer concealment, tlien avowed 
himself to be tlie adjutant-general of the British army 
Suspicion being now excited, colonel Jameson transmitted 
to the commander-in-chief, who was not far distant, infor- 
mation of all the events which had occurred. Washington, 
hastening to West Pointy made arrangements for repelling 
any attack that might be made. Measures of precaution 
being taken, the fate of the prisoner was next to be 
decided. 

28. His case was referred to a board of officers. Ap- 
pearing before them, he confessed, with ingenuous frank- 
ness, every circui.istance relating to himself, but would 
disclose nothing which might involve others in his mis- 
fortune. He displayed, in all his conduct while a prisoner, 
great nobleness of mind; but the board, constrained by 
duty, reported that he must be considered as a spy, and, 
agreeably to the law of nations, ought to suffer deatli. 

29. Sir Henry Clinton, by whom he was highly esteemed, 
made every exertion in his power to avert his fate. He 
entreated, remonstrated, and threatened, To have yielded, 
would have betrayed timidity and weakness, and 'jncouraged 
future treason, Andre suffered an ignominious death, with 
a degree of composure and fortitude which proved liow 
great and illustrious he inight have been, had he not 



1780.J REVOLUTIONARY WAR. > 205 

stooped, in an evil hour, to the conirnission of an igno- 
minious action. 

30. Arnold received, as the reward of his treachery, 
the sum of 10,000 pounds, and the rank of briffadier-gene- 
raJ in the British army. But ho was detested by his new 
associates, and his name will be forever synonymous 
witii infamy and baseness. In contrast with liis, how 
bright shines the fame of the three captors of Andre ' 
They were not then, nor can tJiey ever be, forgotten by i 
country whicii owes so much to their fidelity. Each 
received the thanks of congress, a silver medal, a:id a pen- 
sion for life, whicli has been doubled at a subsequent 
season of greater national prosperity. 

31. At the close of tlie year 1/80, the troops of the 
northern army retired to the winter-quarters Avhich they 
had last occupied. Again they eadured (hstress at which 

Eatriotism feels indignant and humanity weeps. The 
arvest had been abundant. Plenty reigned in the land, 
but Avant in the camp of its defenders. Selfishness had 
succeeded patriotism, lassitude entluisiasm, in the breasts 
of the people, and congress exerted its powers M'ith too 
little vi^or to draw forth the resources of the country. 

32. The soldiers of the Pennsylvania line were station 
ed at Morristown, in New Jersey. They complainet 
that, in addition to sustaining sutlerings common to all, 
they were retained in service contrary to tlie terms of 
tJieir enlistments. In the night of the first of January 
thirteen hundred, on a concerted signal, paraded undei 
arms, and declared their intention of^marching to Phila- 
delphia, and demanding of congress a redi'ess of their 
grievances. 

3.3. The officers strove to compel them to relinquish 
their purpose. In the attemj)t, one was killed and severa' 
were wounded. General Wayne presented his pistosi 
as jf iniending to fire. They held their bayonets to iub 
Drea.st ; " We love and respect you," said they, " but if 
you fire you are a dead man. We are not going to the 
enemy. On thjp contrary, if they were now to come out, 
you sliould see us fight under your orders with as much 
alacrity as ever. But we will be amused no longer ; we 
are determined to obtain what is our jiist due." 

34. They elected temporary officers, and moved off in 

a body towards Princeton. General Wayne, to prevent 

them from plundering the inhabitants, forwarded provisions 

for their use. The next day he followed, and requested 

18 



206 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. {VUl 

them to appoint a man from each regiment, to state to him 
their complaints. The men were appointed, a conference 
held, but lie refused to comply with tneir demands. 

35. They proceeded in good order to Princeton. Three 
emissaries from sir Henry Clinton, meeting tliem here, 
made them liberal offers to entice them from the service of 
congress. The offers we,i;e instantly rejected, and the 
emissaries seized and confined in strict custody. Here 
tliey were also met by a committee of congress, and a 
deputation from the state of Pennsylvania. The latter, 
granting a part of their demands, persuaded them to return 
to tlieir duty. The agents of Clinton were then given up. 
and immediately executed as spies. 

30. This mutiny, and another in the Jersey line, which 
was instantly suppressed, aroused the attention of the 
states to tlie miserable condition of their troops. The 
amount of three montiis' pay was raised and forwarded to 
tliem in specie. They received it with joy, as it afforded 
evidence that their country was not unmindful of their 
sufferings. 



CHAPTER XXL. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781, AND TERMINATION 
OF THE WAR. 

In the spring of 1781, the project of besieging New 
York was again resumed. Requisitions for men and 
stores were made upon the nortliern states, and, in June, 
the French and American troops, marching from their 
respective positions, encamped together on ground contig- 
uous to the city. But reinforcements and supplies arrived 
slowly, and tlie want of them compelled tlie troops in the 
field to remain inactive. 

2. In the southern department, far different was the 
fortune of the opposing annies. That of which general 
Greene took the command, consisted of but 2000 men. 
Nearly one half of tliese he desjDatched, under general 
Morgan, into the western section of South Carolina, where 
a Britisli party, aided by the tories, were plundering and 
murdering the whigs without mercy and without restoaint 

3. Against the American detachment, Comwallis de- 
spatched Torleton, with a force considerably superior, and 



1781.] RL VOLUTION ARY WAR. 207 

a large proportion of it cavalry. Morgan began to retreat, 
but Qiddaining to fly from an enemy, and uncertain Avhether 
lie could escape an oflicer so distinguished as liis pursuer 
for the celerity of his movements, he, on the 17th of 
January, halted at the Cowpens, and determined to hazard 
a battle, before his troops became dispirited and fatigued. 

4. Soon after he had placed his men, tlie British van 
appeared in sight. Confident of an easy victory, Tarleton 
rushed to the^ charge with his usual nnpetuosity. The 
militia posted in front yielded, as directed by Morgan, to 
the shock ; and the infantry composing the second line 
retreated a few yards. In the ardor of pursuit, the enemy 
were thrown into disorder: the infantry, facing about, 
poured upon them a fire as doadly as it Avas unexpected. 
Their disorder was increased, and a charge with the bay- 

-enet completed their overthrow. One nundred of tho 
enemy were Idlled, and five hundred made prisoners. 

5. Seldom has a victory, achieved by so small a number, 
been so important in its consequences. It deprived Corn- 
wallis of one fifth of his force, and disconcerted his plana 
for the reduction of North Carolina. He sought, however, 
to repair, by active exertions, tlie loss which he had suf- 
fered. Having learnt that Morg-an, the instant after hia 
victory, had marched with his prisoner towards Virginia, 
he determined, if possible, to mtercept him, and compel 
him to restore his trophies. 

f). Now commenced a military race which has hardly 
its parallel in history. Each army strove to arrive first 
at the fords of the Catawba, firom which both were equally 
disfe;int. The American troops endured almost incredible 
hardships. They were sometimes without meat, often 
without flour, and always without sph'ituous liquors. Many, 
marching over frozen ground without shoes, marked with 
blood every step of then- progress. 

7. On the twelfth day after the battle, Morgan reached 
the fords and crossed the Catawba. Two hours after- 
wards, ConiAvallis amved, and, it behig then dark, en- 
camped on the bank. In the night, a heat'y fall of rain 
made the river impassable. This gave Morgan an oppor- 
tunity to remove the prisoners beyond the reach ot his 
pursuer. And here he was joined by general Greene, who, 
leaving the niain body of iiis army, wjtli orders to march 
towards Virginia, had ridden, with but two or three attend- 
ants, one hundred and fifty miles for that purpose. 

8. At the end of three days, CornwaJlis found means to 



208 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [1781 

pas? the river. The retreat and pursuit Ji^ain comiuenced. 
On the second nijL,Hit, the Americans reached a ford on the 
Yadkin. Before all iiad crossed, tlie British afjpeared, 
and a part of tlie bagoafre was left m their power. Again 
the two armies lay encamped on the opposite banks, and 
betbre mornmg, this river also was maae impassable by 
the rain. This second preservation fromimmiiieai dano'er, 
persuaded the Americans tiiat their cause was favored of 
Heaven. 

9. The next day, Greene proceeded to Guilford court- 
house, where he was joined by tlie other division of his 
army. Cornwallis, marching- up the Yadkin, crossed at 
the siiallow fords near its source. Both armies now started 
for the river Dan, on the borders of Virginia, and distant 
more than one hundred niik>s. The knowledge that there 
the course must terminate, gave fresh vigor to tiie troops, 
and a new impulse to their speed. On the riftli day, tne 
American army, having, in tJie last twenty-four hours, 
marched forty miles, crossed the river in boats which had 
been collected ibr tne purpose ; and scarcely were they over, 
when the Britisii appeared on the opposite shore. 

JO. Chagrined that his adversary had thus eluded his 
grasp, Coniwailis wheeled about and marched sullenly to 
Hillsborough. Here many loyalists resorted to his stand- 
ard. Six hundred Virginia militia having, in the mean 
time, joined the American ariu}'^, Greene determined to 
recross the Dan,, and, by his presence in North Carolina, 
support the courage of tJiose who had embraced the cause 
of independence. 

1 1. Cornwallis having detached Tarleton, with his legion, 
to the country on the branches of the Haw river, in order 
to countenance the rising of the loyalists in that neigh- 
borhood, a body of cavalry, under lieutenant-colonel Lee, 
rnd of militia under general Pickens, were directed to 
march thither and attack him. Lee, who led the van, 
overtook, in a long lane, a band of tories, on their way to 
the enemy. Mistaking him for Tarleton, tliey expressed 
a lively joy at the meeting, and declared tlieir zealous 
attachment to the royal cause. 

12. Hoping to surprise Tarleton, who was but a mile in 
advance, Lee forbore to correct tiieir eiTor ; but while he 
was endeavoring to pass them, the militia came up and 
engaged their rear. Relinquishing his first project, he 
ordered his cavalry to fall upon the tories, who were 
slaughtered without mercy, while protesting tlicy were 



t78L) REVOLUTlONAllY WAR. 209 

" the very best friends of the king." Betweien two and 
three hundred were killed. Tarleton, alarmed by the 
firing, retreated instantly to Hillsborough. On liis way, 
he cut down a small party of royalists, mistaking them for 
wliig militia. 

13. Leaving Hillsborough, Cornwallis next encamped 
near Guilforcf court-house. Greene, having been still 
further strengtliened by several bodies of militia, pursued 
and offered him battle. On the 15th of March, an en- 
gagement Avas fought. At the first fire, the North Carolina 
militia, who were in the front line, fled. The second line 
was also routed. The continentals, who composed tlie 
tliird, fought with their usual bravery, and for an hour and 
a half maintained tlie conflict with great firmness. They 
at length gave way, but retreated in good order, the 
slaughter they had made in tlie enemy's ranks preventing 
pursuit. Both sides sustained nearly an equal loss. 

14. This victory, won by a far inferior force, was more 
glorious than advantageous to the British army. Greene, 
expecting and desiring to be attacked at his place of retreat, 
made preparations for a second engagement. Cornwallis, 
far from courting a battle, deemed it prudent to retire to 
Wilmington, near the sea. He was pursued for a few 
days, but so excessive had been tlie sufferings of the 
Americans, from hunger and fatigue, that many fainted on 
the march, and at Ramsay's mills the army halted to seek 
refreshment and repose. 

15. After remaining three weeks at Wilmington, Corn- 
wallis proceeded to Petcrsburgh, in Vu"gima. From 
Ramsay's mills, Greene marched towards Camden, where 
were posted nine hundred men, under the command of 
lord Rawdon. He took a position on Hobkirk's hill, about 
a mile from the British entrenchments. At this position, 
the Americans were attacked on tlie 25th of April. In 
the beginning of the action, their bravery gained advan- 
tages wliich, in its progi-ess, were lost by the premature 
retreat of two companies, occasioned by tlie death of all 
^heir ofiicers. At this reverse of fortune, Greene retired 
a few miles from the field, botli armies having sustained 
nearly an equal loss. 

16. In April and May, several British posts m South 
Carolina fell into tlie ' power of the brave and active 
paitisans, who, with small bodies of troops, were ever 
present, v/here oppression was to be resisted, or glory won. 
Alorion and Lee invested and took fort Watson. Orange- 

18* 



210 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. |178t 

burg and fort Motte surrendered to Sumpter. Lee cap- 
tured tort Granby, and Marion drove from 'Georgetown 
the troops stationed to defend it Noneof tliese posts had 
numerous garrisons, the prisoners being less, in the whole, 
tlian eight hundred ; but tiic advantages Uiey had secured 
to the enemy rendered tiieu* capture important to the 
'American cause. 

J 7. About tiie last of May, lord Rawdon retired to 
Monk's Corner, near Charleston, leaving garrisons only at 
Ninety-Six and Augusta. The latter post was besieged 
by Lee, and soon capitulated. Ninety-Six, v/hich was 
much stronger, was invested by tlie main army. The 
siege had contmued three weeks, and eventual success 
appeared certain, when intelligence arrived that lord Raw- 
don, having received a reinforcement from Ireland, was 
approaching, with two thousand men, to the relief of the 
place. All hope was now lost of reducing it by tlie slow 
operation of a siege. On the J8th of June, the Americans, 
with great gallantry, made an assault upon the works. 
They were received witiino less gallantry bv tlie garrison, 
and repulsed. Greene then retired towards North Caro- 
lina, and tliree days afterwards lord Rawdon arrived at 
fNlinety-Six. 

IW. During this year, the inhabitants of tlie Carolinas 
endured calamity and distress, from which humanity revolts 
witii liorror. Tne country was ravaged and pluntlered by 
both armies. The people, in sentiment, were about equally 
divided. YiUaw was hostile to village, and neighbor to 
neighbor ; andtlieir hostility had been embittered by accu< 
sation and retort, by attack and reprisal, until pillage, 
burning, and murder, became familiar to all. Whenever 
a republican or royalist fell into tlie power of an adversary, 
he was instantly sacrificed m revenge of a friend, or to 
gratify political' hatred. It is asserted that, in this man- 
ner, thousands were put to death. Each party aimed at 
the extirj)ation of the other, and the whole country pre- 
sented an unvaried scene of blood and slaughter. But 
censure ought not to rest equally upon the two parties. 
In the commencen.ent of the contest, the British, to terrify 
the people into submission, set an example which the t.ories 
were quick, but the vv higs slow, to follow ; and hi its prog- 
ress the American genjrals, and they alone, seized every 
occasion to discountenance such vindictive and barbarous 
conduct. 

111. Lord Rawdon having returned to England, the com- 



1781.] REVOLUTlOiNAllY WAR. 211 

mand of the Britisli troops, in South CaroUna, devolved 
upon heuteriant-colonel Stewart. In the beginning of 
September, he took post at Eutaw. Greene maiched 
against him from the High Hills of Santee. Their forces 
were equal, amounting on each side to two thousand men. 
On the 8th, a battle was fought, more bloody perhaps than 
any wiiich !iad occurred durmg the war. The attack was 
made by tne Americans ; the British, resolute and brave, 
/nade an obstinate resistance, but were at length driv^en 
in disorder from the field. 

20. A small number, on their retreat, took possession 
of a large brick house, and others of an adjoining picketed 
garden. From these strong positions, a deadly lire was 
poured upon the Americans, who persisted, for a long time, 
m a rash attempt to take them by storm. This check 
enabled the British commander to' rally his broken bat- 
talions, and bring them again into action. Greene, de- 
spairing of further success, withdrew his troops, carrying 
witli him his wounded and prisoners. 

21. The loss on botli sides was uncommonly great, m 
Droportion to the numbers engaged. On the American 
Bide, the number o^ killed and'wounded amounted to five 
lundred and fifty; on that of the British, as stated by 
themselves, to almost seven hundred. This sanguinary 
battle was followed by the retreat of the British army 
towards Charleston. The Americans pursued, and, by 
establishing a .^hain of posts at a short distance from that 
city, protected the state from tiieir incursions. 

22. Cornwallis, who left North Carolina in April, arrived 
at Petersburgh, in Virginia, on the 20th of May. He there 
formed a junction with a British detachment, which, com- 
manded at first by Arnold and afterwards by Phillips, had 
previously gaineci possession of Richmond and Portsmouth. 
With the force now at his command, he flattered himself 
that he should be able to add this state also to the list of 
his conquests. 

2.S. The American troops, stationed in Virginia for its 
defence, were indeed entirely insufficient to oppose any 
effectual resistance. Under their gallant leader, the 
marquis de la Fayette, they accomplished even more than 
was expected ; but were unable to prevent the enemy from 
marching tlirough the country, and destroying much public 
and private property. 

24. From these excursions, Cornwallis was recalled to 
the sea-coast by his commander-in-chief, who, having inter- 



2V2 REVOLU'nONARV WAR. [1781. 

cepted a letter from Washington to congress, became ac- 
quainted with the danger which tlireatened New York. He 
was directed to take a position near the ocean, where his 
army and tlie fleet might afford mutual protection, until the 
event of the operations of the north should be known. He 
selected Yorktown and Gloucester Point, situated on oppo- 
site sides of York river, which empties into Chesapeake 
bay. He had an arnny of more than 10,000 men, and ap- 
plied all his means, witli unwearied industry and zeal, to 
fortify these commanding positions. 

25. In the mean time, but little progress had been mada 
Tn the preparations to besiege New York. Of the 6000 
aaen whom the northern states were required to furnish 
for that purpose, a few hundred only, at the beginning of 
August, had joined the army. On the other hand, the 
enemy in the city had been strengthened by the arrival of 
3000 Gennans. In this posture of affairs, the idea of an 
expedition against Cornwallis occun-ed to the commander- 
m-chief. While deliberating on the enterprise, he received 
mformation that a French fleet, under the count de Grasse, 
Avith 3000 troops on board, M-as on the way to Amenca, 
and destined to tlie Chesapeake. 

26. He hesitated no longer, but determined to conduct 
the expedition in person. The show of an intention to 
attack New York, was nevertheless preserved. After 
the troops left their respective positions, and crossed the 
Hudson, their march was so directed as to lead sir Henry 
Clinton to believe that it was the object of Washington 
to gain possession of Staten Island, m order to facilitate 
his designs against the city. The despatches he had in- 
tercepted assisted to deceive him, and not until the army 
had crossed the Delaware, and was thus beyond the reach 
of pursuit, did he suspect the real object of his adversary 

27. He then determined to profit by his absence, or 
recall him, by some daring enterprise at tlie nor+Ji. Giving 
to the traitor Arnold, Avho had just returned from Virginia, 
the command of a strong detachment, he sent him against 
New London, a flourishing city situated upon the river 
Thames, in liis native state. Nearly opposite, on a hill 
m Groton, stood fort Griswold, which was tlien garrisoned 
by militia, hastily summoned from their labors in the 
field. 

28. Ajrainst this fort Arnold despatched a part of his 
troops. It was assaulted on three sides at tfie same mo- 
ment. The garrison, fighting in view of tlieir property 



1781.] REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 213 

and their homes, made a brave and obstinate resistance. 
By their steady and well-directed fire, many of the assail- 
ants were kifled. Fressmor forward wifli persevering 
ardor, the enemy entered tjie fort through the embrasurea 
Immediately ail resistance ceased. Irritated by gallantry 
which should have caused admiratic»n, a British officer 
mqnired who commanded the fort. "I did," said colonel 
Ledyard, "but you do now," and presented him his sword. 
He seized it, and with savaore cruelty plunged it into his 
bosom, This was the sif^nal for an indiscriminate mas- 
sacre. Of one hundred and sixty men composing the 
garrison, all but forty were. killed or woimded, and most 
of them after resistance had ceased. Seldom has tlie 
glory of victory been tarnished by such detestable bar- 
Darity, The enemy then entered New London, which 
was set on fire and consumed. The property destroyed 
was of immense value. Perceiving no other object within 
the reach of his force, Arnold led back his fa-oops to New 
York. 

29. The march of Washington was not arrested by this 
barbarous inroad.. He pressed forward with the otmost 
speed, the great object m view imparting vigor to his truops. 
At Chester, he received the chec^ring intelligence, that 
admiral de Grasse had entered the Chesapeake with a force 
sufficiently strt;)U"- to prevent the escape of the enemy by 
water. On the 2.ith of Si^ptcmber, the last division of 
the allied forces arrived at the place appointed for their 
meeting. The whole consisted of 1 (5,000 men, and was 
furnished with a large and powerful train of battering 
artillery. 

30. A body of troops under general de Choise was sta- 
tioned to watch the small garrison at Gloucester Point, 
on the north bank of the river ; and on the 28th the several 
divisions, destined to besiege the ma^in garrison at York- 
town, reached the positions assigned them. On the night 
of the 6th of October, advancing to witliin (300 yards of 
the enemy's lines, they began iiniir first parallel, and 
labored with such silence and diligence, that they were 
not discovered until morning, when the works tliey had 
raised were sufficient to protect them. 

3L On the 9th, several batteries being completed, a 
heavy cannonade was begun. Many of the enemy's guns 
were dismounted, and portions of their fortifications laid 
level with the ground. On the night of the 11th, tlie 
besiegers commenced their second parallel, three hundred 



2J4 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. []781 

vards in advance of the first. This approach was made 
80 much sooner than was expected, that the men were 
not discovered at their labor, until they had rendered them- 
selves secure from all molestation hi front. The fire from 
tlie new batteries was still more furious and destiiictive. 

32. From two British redoubts, in advance of their main 
works, and flanking tliose of the besiegers, tlie men in the 
trenches were so severely annoyed that Washington re- 
solved 1o storm them. The enterprise against one was 
committed to an American, that against the other to a 
PVench detachment Colonel Hamilton, Avho led the van 
of the former, made such an impetuous attack, that pos- 
session Avas soon obtained, with little slaughter. Retalia- 
tion for the carnage at fort Griswold might have been 
justified. But "tlie soldiers," said colonel Hamilton, 
''incapable of imitating examples of barbarity, and for- 
getting recent provocation, spared every man tliat ceased 
to resist." The French detachment was equally brave 
and successful, but, opposed by a stronger force, sustained 
a more considerable loss. 

3^3. Cornwallis, perceiving no hope of safety but in flight, 
attempted, on the evening of the 16tli, to cross over to 
Gloucester, intendint^ to force his way through the troops 
under de Choise, and proceed by rapid marches to New 
York. Before reaching the opposite shore, with the first 
division of his army, a storm dispersed his boats and com- 
pelled lihn to abancion the project. 

84. On the morning of the 17th, additional batteries 
were completed by the besiegers. The cannonade became 
too powerful to be resisted. The enemy's works were 
sinking rapidly under it, and neariy all their guns were 
silenced. Before noon, Cornwallis beat a parley, and pro- 
posed that commissioners should be appointed to settle 
terms of surrender. They were accordinp-ly appointed, 
and on the J 9th of October, the terms which they had 
agreed upon were ratified by the respective commanders. 

35. The naval force in tne harbor was suiTendered to 
de Grasse, the garrison to tlie American general. To tlie 
garrison, the same terms were trranted as had been con- 
ceded to the troops who capitulated at Charleston ; and 
general Lincoln, who was present, was designated by 
Washington to receive the sword of Cornwallis. The 
number of prisoners exceeded seven thousand, of whom 
nearly three thousand were not fit for duty. 

36. On no occasion dm-ing the war, did the American 



1782.] REVOLUTlOiNARY WAR. 213 

peopln manifest greater exultation and joy. To the Giver 
of all good, tliey united in rendering, with grateful heaits, 
thanksgi\dng and praise for the decisive victory which he 
had enabled them to gain. From the nature and duration 
of the contest, tlie affections of many had been so con- 
centrated upon their country, and so intense was their 
interest in its fate, that the news of this brilliant success 
produced the most rapturous emotions, under the operation 
cf which some were deprived of their reason, and one 
aged patriot in Pliiladelphia expired. 

37. The loss of a second entire army extinguished every 
hope, which the people of Great Britain had entertained, 
of the subjugation of their colonies. Their burdens, whicli, 
although heavy, they had borne witli patience, while 
ammated by the prospect of success, now pressed with 
intolerable weight. They demanded, witii an almost 
unanimous voice, tliat an end should speedily be put to a 
hopeless and ruinous war. But the speech of the king to 
parliament, at the opening of the winter session, diccovered, 
that his feelings and determination remained unchanged. 
Bearing no portion of the burdens of war, he felt, with 
undiminished force, his reluctance to part Avith the au- 
thority which he had once exercised over three millions 
of subjects. 

88. But tlie house of commons, speaking the sentiments 
of the people, expressed, in energetic language, their dis- 
approbation of all fiirther attempts to reduce the colonies 
to obedience by force. Lord North, contrary to the wishes 
of his sovereign, then resigned the office of prime minister 
Another cabinet was formed, Avho advised the king to 
concede independence to the colonies. Early in the spring 
of 1782, pacific overtures were accordingly made to the 
American government, and both nations desisted from 
hostile measures. 

i^h Congress had previously appointed John Adams, of 
Massachusetts, a commissioner to treat with Great Britain, 
whenever her government should express a desire for 
peace. He was one of the earliest opposers of parlia- 
mentary encroachment. Actuated by hatred of tyranny 
as well as love of country, he had, before resistance was 
contemplated by others, devoted all the energies of his 
powerful mind to the work of enlightening the people, and 
preparing them for the contest which he foresaAv was 
Approaching. In the continental congress he was conspic- 
ttous for his talents and zeal. Anoointed minister to 



SrrO REVOLUTIONARY WAR. [J783. 

Holland, lie succeeded in obtaining a loan at Amsterdam, 
when the resources of his country were almost exhausted, 
and in concluding with tliat republic a treaty of amity and 
commerce. 

40. As colleagues with him, congress now appointed 
Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. The 
first was minister to France. He was beloved by his 
country for the services he had rendered her ; and illus- 
trious throughout the world for his inventive genius and 
practical philosophy. John Jay was a native ofN ew York 
was distinguisJied for the puntv of his mural character, 
and his attachment to the rights of mankind. He had 
long been a member of congress, and was then the repre- 
sentative of the United States at the Spanish court. 
Henry Laurens was a citizen of South Carolina, had been 
president of congress, had been appointed minister to 
Holland, but when crossin<^ the ocean, was captured by a 
British cruiser, and conlinea, on a charge of treason, to the 
tower of London. In the endurance of suffenngs in his 
country's cause, he displayjgd a character formed after the 
models of antiquity. 

41. To negotiate with these, Mr. Oswald was appointed 
on the part of Great Britain. The conferences were helo 
at Paris, where, in November, J 782, preliminary articles 
were ogi-eed upon. These were to form the basis of a 
definitive treaty, the conclusion of which was deferred 
until peace should take place between France, the ally of 
the United States, and Great Britain. That event oc- 
curred on the third day of December, J 783; and, on the 
same day, a definitive treaty between tlie parent country' 
and her late colonies was also signed. 

42. The provisions of the treaty attest the zeal and 
ability of the x^merican negotiators, as well as the liberal 
feelings which actuated liie new British ministry. Thf. 
mdependence of the United States was fully acknowledged. 
The rigiit of fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, and 
certain' facilities in the enjoyment of thai ngnt, were 
secured to tJiem forever ; and territory was ceded to them 
more extensive tlian the most sangume had darod to anti- 
cipate or to hope. During tlie ne<^otiation, France, to 
ensure the future dependence of her allies upon herself, 
endeavored, by secret intrigues, to prevent them from 
obtaining as favorable terms as even their late enemies 
were wilimg to grant — a .-striking proof of tlie selfishness 
of nations. 



178a"l REVOLUTlOiNALlY WAR. 217 

43. WTiilo tliG uGcrotiauoDs wore pendinn;, the American 
troops were retained in service, but remained unemployed 
at tnen* various stations. Tliey saw witli pleasure the 
end of their toils approaching, but apprehended that their 
country, when she no longer needed their services, would 
forget with what zeal and fidelity they had been rendered, 
riio officers, especially, dreaded that, after having, for 
want of pay, expended their private fortunes, and after 
having exhausted their strength in the performance of 
arduous and protracted services, they should be dismissed 
m poverty, without any secure provision for their future 
support. 

44. In {ho course of tiie war, a resolution had been 
adopted by congress, stipulating that the officers, after 
being disbandeo, should receive half-pay for life. This 
-esotution had never been ratified by tlie requisite number of 
states, and no sate reliance could therefore be placed upon it. 
In December, 1782, the officers fonvarded to congress a 
petition praying that all arrears which were due to tliem 
might be discharged, and that, instead of half-pay for life, 
a sum equal to five years' full pay should be paid or secured 
to them when disbanded. 

4o. The delay of congress to comply with this request 
produced an alarming agitation in tliat portion of the army 
stationed at Newburgh." An address to the officers was 
privately circulated, wTitten with great ability, and admira- 
bly well fitted to work upon tiiose passions which recent 
sufferings and gloomy forebodings had excited in every 
Dosom. The \\'Titer ooldly recommended tliat, as all tho 
applications to the sympatliy and justice of congress had 
failed of success, an appeal should be made to their fears. 

4(). Fortunately, tlie commander-in-chief was in camp, 
Though conscious that the officers had just cause of com- 
plaint, he was aware that duty to iiis country, and even 
friendship for them, required that he should prevent the 
adoption of rash and disorderly expedients to obtain re- 
dress. Calling them together, he, by a calm and sensible 
address, persuaded them to rely still longer upon the dis- 
position of congress to perform for them whatever the 
limited means of the nation would pennit. 

47. In a letter to that body, giving an account of these 
occurrences, he maintained and enforced the claims of tliO 
officers with such pathos and strength of reasoning, thai 
their request was granted. In November, 1783, th3 
I'.iTRioT ARMY was disbandcd. and again mingled v.ita 



218 CONFEDERA'HON. [1786. 

their fellow citizens. In the same month, New York 
was evacuated by the British troops. General Wash- 
ington, taking- an affectionate leave of his officers, repaired 
to Annapolis, where congress was sitting, and there, at a 

Eublic audience, with dignity and sensibility, resigned 
is commission as commander-in-chief of tiie American 
armies. Then, witli a character illustrious throughout 
the world, he returned to his residence at Mount Vernon, 
possessing- the sincere love and profound veneration of his 
countrymen. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION, 

AND 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Independence and peace did not immediately produce 
all the advantages whicn had been anticipated by an ardent 
and sanguine people. The evils of war were protracted 
beyond its duration. Public and private debts bore heavily 
upon tlie people, restraining their enterprise and demanding 
all their resources. 

2. Unsupported by^ tlie sense of imminent and common 
danger, the ailicles of confederation were found insufficient 
to accomplish the purposes of a national government. They 
confeiTed upon congress tlie power not to raise money, 
but merely to make requisitions upon the states. These 
■were often disregarded, no authority being given to en- 
force obedience. The revenue was tlierefore deficient, 
the public creditors were unpaid, and the national securities 
or evidences of debt depreciated so low that they were 
often sold for one eighth of their nominal value. 

3. Neither did these articles confer the power to regulate 
commerce. Congress, therefore, could not make commer- 
cial treaties with foreign nations which would be obligatory 
upon tlie individual states. Unprotected by treaties, and 
unsupported by countervailing regulations, the American 
raercliants were denied all participation, except on terms 
at once burdensome and degrading, in the commerce of 
the world. The trade between the several states, which 



urn.] CONFEDERATION 219 

were considered separate and independent soveroicrnties, 
W3^ also embarrassed by numerous restrictions, producing 
frequent collisions, and diminishing- the benefits which 
naturally flow from the unfettered enterprise and industry 
of man. Commerce languished ; and from the want of 
its vivifying- influence, all the energies of the country Avere 
dormant 

4. To remedy these evils, congress applied to the states 
for a grant of the power to regulate commerce, and to 
collect a revenue from it New York alcne refused ; but 
as unanimity was requisite, her single negative defeated 
the project In the mean time, tlie distress increased, 
and in Massachusetts, where it was greatest, urged to 
insurrection a portion of the inhabitants. Near the close 
of the year 1786, tliey assembled, to the number of two 
thousand, in the nortliwestem part of the state, and, choos- 
intr Daniel Shavs their leader, demanded that tlie collection 
of debts should be suspended, and fbat the legislature 
should authorize the epussion of paper money for general 
sirculafion. 

5. Two bodies of militia, drawn from those parts of the 
state where disaffection did not prevail, were immediately 
despatched against them, one under tlie command of gene- 
ral Lincoln, the other of general Shepard. They were 
easily dispersed ; and afterwards abandoning their seditious 
purposes, accepted the proffered indemnity of the govern- 
ment 

6. So early as 1783, John Adams, being then minister 
in Europe, and seeing in Avhat light tlie American con- 
federation was regarded by foreign nations, suggested to 
congress the expediency of elFectmg a closer union of the 
states, and of conferring more eflicient powers upon the 
general government A conviction of the necessity of 
such a course was also felt by general Washington, and 
most of the distinguished patriots of tliat period. In Sep- 
tember, 1786, upon the proposition of Mr. Madison, of 
Virginia, a convention of commissioners from five of the 
middle states, was held at Annapolis, for the purpose of 
devising and recommending to the states a unifonn system 
of commercial regulations. 

7. These commissioners, afler deliberating unon the 
subject, came to the conclusion that nothing short of a 
thorough reform of the existing government should be 
attempted. This opinion was expressed in the report of 
their proceedings, which was laid before congress. That 



i£>0 CONFEDERATION. jJ/W 

Dody ad-opted, in consequence, a resolution recommending 
that a convention of delegates from all the Btates should 
be held at Philadelphia, Tor the purpose of revising the 
articles of confederation, and reporting such alterations as 
would render tlie federal constitution ade(]uate to Uie exi- 
gencies of government, and the preservation of tlie union. 

8. With this recommendation all the states, except 
ilhodo Island, complied ; and in May, 1787, the convention 
mot. Of this body of venerable and illustrious statesmen, 
George Washington was unanimously elected president 
TJiey deliberated with closed doors, and at the end of 
four montlis, agreed upon a constitution for the United 
States of Amenca, which, after being reported to congress, 
^'.as submitted ior ratification to conventions holden m the 
respective states. 

9. This constitution, under which the citizens of this 
republic have enjoyed such unexampled happiness and 
prosperity, difters, in many particulars, from the articles 
of confederation. It connects the states more closely 
together, by establishing a general and supreme govern- 
ment composed of three departments, legislative, executive, 
and judicial. 

10. The legislative department consists of a senate and 
nouse of representatives, and is styled tlie congress. The 
laembers of the house are chosen by the people, and hold 
their offices two years. They are apportioned among the 
several states, accordinor to the number of inhabitants, as 
ascertained every tenUi year by tlie census, deducting 
two fifths of the slaves. 

Jl. The senators are the representatives of the states, 
m their sovereign capacity, and are chosen by tlie state 
legislatures, each choasin"' two. Tiie constitution ordained 
tliat on assembling at the first session, they should bn 
divided, as equally as possible, into tliree classes. Those 
composuig the first class were to hold tlieir offices but two 
years; those composing- the second class, four years; 
tiiose composing tne tlurd, six years. All subsequently 
i;hosen were to hold their offices six years, except such as 
should be chosen to supply the places of tliose who died or 
resigned. Besides then- legislative power, they have, in 
concurrence with the executive, a voice in all appoint- 
ments to office, and in the ratification of treaties. 

12. The executive power is vested in a president ajv 
pointed by electors. These electors are chosen in the 
respective states, in such manner as the different legisla- 



l^'Sr.J CONFEDERATION. 22] 

tiires may prescnbe, and are equal in numoei to the sena 
tors and representatives from the state in congress It, 
however, no pereon receives a majority of the votes of 
these electors, the president is then chosen by the repre- 
sentatives, those from each state having but one vote. 
He is elected for four years ; but he may be impeached by 
the house, tried by the senate, and, if convicted of mis- 
conduct, may be removed from office. He is commander- 
in-chief of the land and naval forces. He nominates to 
tlie senate all officers of the oreneral government, and, with 
the advice and consent of two thirds of that body, ratifies 
treaties. A vice-president is chosen at the same time, 
and in the same manner, to perform all tlie duties of 
president when that office is vacant by death, resignation, 
or removal. 

13. To pass a law the house and senate must concur, 
and it is then to be sent to the president, who must approve 
it. If he does not approve it, he must return it witli his 
objections ; and it must then be agreed to by two thirds 
of both branches. Lav/s thus enacted are obligatory upon 
tlie citizens individuallv, and may be executed by officers 
appointed by the president and senate. Under the con- 
federation, the ordinances of congress operated only upon 
the states, and no efficient mode was provided for enforc- 
ing them. 

14. The constitution confers on confess tlie power to 
declare war ; to raise and support armies ; to provide and 
maintain a navy ; to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, 
and excises ; to regulate commerce ; to coin money ; and 
all other powers of a general or national character. It 
diminishes, in no respect, the liberty of the citizen, but 
transfers a portion of the powej-s, previously exercised by 
the state governments, to the gdvemment of the union. 

15. The judicial power of the United States is vested 
in a supreme court, and such inferior courts as the congress 
may establish ; and it extends to all cases arising under 
the constitution, the laws of congress, and treaties; to all 
cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to all con- 
troversies between citizens of different states, and between 
foreigners and citizens : the judges hold tlieir offices during 
good behavior. 

16. The new constitution found opposers as well ag 
advocates, and both were equally zealous. The former, 
ardently attached to liberty, imagined that nilers possess- 
ing such extensive sway, such abundant patronage, and 



Sr>:3 WASHINGTON'S [1789 

such independent tenure of office, would become fond of 
the exercise of poAv-er, and, in tlie end, arrogant and tyranni- 
cal. The latter professed equal attachment to liberty, but 
contended that, to preserve it, an energetic government 
was necessary. They described, with powerful effect, the 
evils actually endureci from tlie inefficiency of the con- 
fedoratioUj and demanded that a trial at least should be 
made of tne remedy proposed. These took the name of 
federalists, as friendly to a union of the states ; tiie appel- 
lation of anti-federalists was ffiven to their antagonists. 

J 7. In the conventions ot eleven states, a majority, 
though in some instances a small one, decided in favor of 
its ratification. Provision was then made for the election 
of the officers to compose the executive and legislative 
departments. To the highest station, the electors, by a 
jnanimous vote, elected "George Washington, illustrious 
for his virtues and irdlitary talents. To uie second, that 
of vice-president, b}' a vote nearly unanimous, tliey ele- 
vated John Adams, who, in stations l£ss conspicuous, had, 
with equal patriotism, rendered important services to his 
country. 

18. The fourth of March, 1789, was tlie day designated 
for tlie new government to commence its operations. The 
delays incident to its first organization, prevented tlie 
inauguration of the president, until the 30th of April. 
The ceremony was witnessed, witli inexpressible joy, by 
an immense concourse of citizens. In an impressive 
address to both houses of congress, he declared, with 
characteristic modesty, his " incapacity for the mighty and 
untried cares before him," and oifered his •' fervent suppli- 
cations to that Almighty Being, whose providential aid 
can supply every human defect, that his benediction would 
consecrate to the libertios/Cnd happiness of the people of 
the United States, a government instituted by themselvea 
for these essential purposes; and would enable every 
instrument, employed in its administration, to execute 
with success, the functions allotted to his charge." 

It). lie also expressed his finn conviction, "tkat the 
foundation of our national policy would be laid in tlie pure 
and immutable principles of private morality ; and that 
the pre-eminence of a fi-ee government woiud be exem- 
plified by all the attributes which can win tne affections 
of its citizens, and command tlie respect of the world." 

20. "I dwell," said he, "on tins prospect witli every 
eatisfaction wliich an ardent lovo for my country ca» 



i/lJC] ADMINISTRATION. 223 

inspire ; since there is no truth more thoroughly estab- 
lished, tlian that there exists, in tlie economy and course 
of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happi- 
ness ; between duty and advantage ; between the genuine 
maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the 
solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity ; and since 
the destiny of the republican model of government is 
justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked 
on the experiment intrusted to tlie American people." 

21. To establish a revenue sufficient for the support of 
government, and for the discharge of the debt contracted 
m the revolutionary war, was the first object of congress. 
For this purpose, duties were laid on the importation of 
merchandise, and on the tonnf ge of vessels ; and from 
these sources were drawn into the national treasury, 
funds which had before been collected and appropriated 
by the states on the sea coast. 

29. Laws, creating a department of state, of the treas- 
ury, and of war, were enacted ; and Mr. Jefferson, Mr. 
Hamilton, anti general Knox, appointed secretaries or 
principals. A national judiciary M^as constituted and 
arganr/ed. A resolve was passed, directing the secretary 
of t)ie treasury to prepare a plan for the support of public 
credit; and amendments to tlie constitution were pro- 
posed, which were subsequently ratified by the states ; 
and wliich, removing many of tlie objections made to it, 
rendered it acceptable to all. 

2.3. After tiie adjournment of congress, the president 
made a tour through New England, where he was re 
ceived by the inhabitants with an aftection bordering on 
adoration. People of all classes crowded to behold the 
man whose virtues and talents exalted him, in their view, 
above tlie heroes of ancient and modern times ; and to 
nresent to him the undissembled homage of their grateful 
liearts. But to none did his visit "'ive more exquisite 
pleasure than to the officers and soldiers of the "patriot 
army," who had been his companions in suffering and 
in victory, who were endeared to him by their bravery 
and fidelitv in war, and by the magnanimity Avitli wliich, 
in peace, they endured unmerited neglect and poverty. 

24. At the next session of congress, which commenced 
m Januaiy, 17f)0, Mr. Hamilton, tne secretary of the 
treasury, made his celebrated report upon the public debts 
contracted during the revolutionar}' war. Taking an able 
and enlarged view of the advant^igcs of public credit, ha 



224 WASHINGTON'S [1790. 

recomiriended that, not only the debts of the continental 
con^'ess, but tliose of the states arising from their exer- 
tions in the common cause, should be funded or assumed 
by the general government ; and that provision should be 
made for paying the interest, by imposing taxes on certain 
articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the 
country. 

25. Upon this report an animated debate took place. 
!}ts recommendations Avere opposed by that party Avho had 
seen or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many 
features hostile to freedom, and who remembered that 
Mr. Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had 
proposed that the president and senate should be ap- 
pointed to hold their offices during good behavior. They 
now expressed their fear.", that the assumption of these 
debts Avould render the government still stronger, oy 
drawing around it a numerous and powerful body of pub- 
lic creditors, who, in all its contests with the states or the 
people, would be bound, by the strongest of all ties, that 
of interest, to support, it whether right or wrong. This 
}3arty, existing principally in the southern states, and pro- 
fessing an ardent attachment to the equal nghts of man, 
took the name of republican. 

26. Mr. Madison proposed, that whenever the public 
securities had been transferred, the highest price Avhich 
they had borne in the market should be paid to the pur- 
chaser, and the residue to the original holder. After an 
eloquent debate, this proposition Avas rejected. The 
party denominated federal, and existing principally in the 
northern states, supported tliroughout, Avith great ability 
and force of reasoning, the plans of the secretary; but on 
taldng the vote in the house of representatives, they Avere 
rejected by a majority of tAvo. 

27. AfterAvards this, national measure Avas connected, 
as is too frequently the case in legislative bodies, AA^ith 
one which had excited much local feeling. It Avas under- 
stood that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten 
years at Philadelphia, and afterAvards permanently at a 
place to be selected on the Potomac, some southern 
members Avould AvithdraAv their opposition to the funding 
system. A laAv to that effect was accordingly enacted. 
Tlie former discussion Avas then resumed. The plans of 
tiie secretary Avere adopted in the senate and afterAvards 
in tlie house, tAvo members, representing districts on the 
•■^otoinac, c'langing tlicir votes. The debt funded amount- 



1791.] ADMlNlJSa^RATlON. 225 

ed to a little more tlian seventy-five millions of dollars ; 
upon a part of which three per cent, and upon the remain 
der sixj)cr cent, interest was to be paid. 

28. The effect of this measure was great and rapid. 
The price of the public paper, which had fallen to twelve 
or fifteen cents on tlie dollar, suddenly rose to the sum 
expressed on the face of it- This difference was gained, 
in most instances, by purchasers of the securities, who, 
feeling indebted, for this immense accession of wealth, 
to the plans of the secretary, regarded him with entJmsi- 
astic attachment. But in others, this wealth, suddenly 
acquired without merit, excited envy and dissatisfaction. 
These joined the repubhcan party; who, fancying they 
were witnessing the fulfilment of their prediction, be- 
came more active in their opposition. 

29. The recommendation of the secretary to impose 
additional duties, was not acted upon until the next session 
of congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in 
order to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the 
Alleghany mountains, where no other spirits were con- 
sumed, equal to those of the inhabitants on tlie sea coast, 
v;ho consumed most of tlie articles on which an import 
duty was paid. In tlie beginning of the year 1791, tney 
•vvere laid as proposed. A national bank, recommendeid 
also by the same officer, was in the same year incorpo- 
rated. Both measures met a violent opposition from tlie 
republican party. 

*J0. When the new government was first organized, 
but eleven states had ratified the constitution. After- 
wards, North Carolina and Rhode Island, the two dis- 
senting states, adopted it ; tlie former in Novem.ber, 1789, 
tlie latter in May, 1790. In 1791, Vermont adopted it, 
and applied to congress to be admitted into the union 
The territory of tliis state, situated between New Hamp- 
shire and ^ew York, Avas claimed by both, and both had 
made grants of land witliin its limits. In 1777, tlie 
inhabitants, refusing to submit to either, declared them- 
selves independent. Although not represented in the 
continental congress, yet, during tlie war, they embraced 
the cause of their brethren in the other states, and to 
them their aid was often rendered, and was always 
efficient. Agreeably to their request, an act was now- 
passed, constituting Vermont one of the members of the 
union. An act was also passed, declaring that the district 
of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be admitted 



2'Mi WAaHINGTON'S [l7y5J. 

into tlie union en the first day of June, in the succeeding 
year. 

31. In 1791 was completed the first census or enumer- 
ation of the inhabitants of the United States. They 
amounted to .S,92],32(5, of which number 695,655 were 
slaves. The revenue, according- to the report of the 
secretary of the treasury, amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, 
the exports to about nmetcen, and the imports to about 
\wenty millions. A great improvement in the circum- 
stances of the people bejran at this period to be visible. 
Tlie estnhlishment of a firm and recrular government, and 
confidence in tffe men whom they had chosen to admin- 
ister it, gave an impulse to their exertions which bore 
them rapidly forward in the career of prosperity. 

32. In 1790, a termination was put to the war which, 
for several years, had raged between the Creek Indians 
and the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also 
made to the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the 
Scioto and the Wabash. These being rejected, an army 
of 1400 men, commanded by general Harmer, was de- 
spatched against tliem. Two battles were fought near 
Chilicothe, in Ohio, between successive detachments 
from this army and the Indians, in which the latter were' 
victorious. 

33. Emboldened by these successes, they made more 
vigorous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which 
suffered all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. 
Additional troops were raised, and the command of the 
whole Avas given to general St. Clair. With near 2000 
men, he marched, in" October, into the wilderness. By 
desertion and detachments, this force was reduced to 
fourteen hundred. On the third of November, they en- 
camped a few miles from the villages on tlie Miami, 
intending to remain there until joined by those who Avere 
absent. 

34. But before sunrise, the next morning, just after the 
ti-oops were dismissed from the parade, they were attacked 
unexpecte<lly by the India.ns. The new levies, who were 
in front, rushed back in confusion upon the regulars. 
These, who had been hastily formed, were thrown into 
disorder. They, nowever, with great intrepiditv, ad- 
vanced into the midst of the enemy, who retired froni 
covert to covert, keeping always beyond read), and again 
returning as soon as the troops were recalled from pursuit 
Iti these charges many brave and experienced otficers 



179ai ADMINISTRATION. 227 

were killed ; the loss of men was also great, and no per- 
manent impression was made upon the enemy. 

35. At lenofth, after a contest of three or four hours, St. 
Clair, Avho3e ill health disabled him from performing the 
active duties of commander, determined to withdraw from 
the field the remnant of his troops. The instant tiiat the 
directions to retire were given, a disorderly flight com- 
menced. Fortunately for tlie survivors, the victorious 
Indians were soon recalled from pursuit to the camp, by 
theu- avidity for plunder ; and the vanquislied continued 
their retreat unmolested to the frontier settlements. 

36. In this battle, the numbers engaged on each side 
were supposed to be equal. Of tlie whites, the slaughter 
Avas almost beyond example. Six hunth-ed and thirty were 
killed and missing, and two hundred and sixty were wound- 
ed — a loss which proves at once the obstinacy of the 
defence, and the bravery of the assailants. On receivmg 
information of this disaster, congress, resolving to prose- 
cute the war with increased viofor, made provision for 
augmenting, by enlistment, tlie mflitary force of tlie nation 
to 5000 men. 

37. In tlie autumn of 1792, general Washington was 
again unanimously elected president of the American 
republic, and in March, 1793, was inducted into office. 
Mr. Adams w^as re-elected vice-president, in opposition 
to George Clinton, of New York. In the progress of 
these elections, but little party feeling was exhibited ; the 
repose of society was not disturbed, but the citizens raised 
to posts of tlie highest honor tliose w^hom their judgments 
and afiections designated as the most w^orthy. 

38. While tlie Americans, witli but little alloy, were 
enjoying, under a government of their own choice, tlie 
blessings of independence and freedom, the people of 
France, by whose aid these blessings had been acquired, 
were experiencing all the mise: ies of anarchy. Grievously 
oppressed by institutions origii ating m times of ignorance 
and barbarism, tliey had risen in tne majesty of" physical 
strength, and declared tlieir determination to be free. 
Against a Avhole people, aroitsea by their sufferings to 
demand their rights, what effectual resistance can be 
opposed ? Before tlieir energetic exertions, prompted by 
enthusiasm and directed by fiital skill, their ancient govern- 
ment crumbled to tlie dust. 

39. Passing at once from abject slavery to entire liberty 
tlieir conduct was marked by the most shocldng excesses. 



228 WASmNGTON'S [179a 

The mild \drtues of their king, aJleviatins but slightly the 
evils of despotism, could not save him from that resent- 
ment wliich consigned to indiscriminate destruction the 
hereditary orders. " Himself, his queen, and many thou- 
sands of the nobility and clergy, suffered death on the 
scaffold. A new government was instituted, having, for 
its fundamental prmciple, tlie universal equality of man. 
Its form was oflen changed, and tiie reins of authority 
were successively, but unsteadily, held by the temporary 
favorites of an unenlightened ana capricious people. 

40. The Americans could not regard with indifference 
this struggle of their allies for freedom. They considered 
their excesses as the first effects of sudden relief from 
oppression, and hoped that experience would produce 
Bobriety of conduct and reverence for law. They hailed 
the French revolution as the ofl'spring of their own, and 
cherished the flattering expectation tnat, by the diffusion 
of the principles of liberty, the whole civilized world 
would become partakers of its blessings. 

41. The French people, at the same time, regarded the 
Americans as their orethren, bound to them by the ties of 
gratitude ; and when the kings of Europe, dreading the 
establishment of republicanism in her borders, assembled 
in arms to restore monarchy to France, they looked across 
the Atlantic for sympathy and assistance. The new 
government, recalling the minister whom the king had 
appointed, despatched the citizen Genet, of ardent temper 
and a zealous republican, to supply his place. In April, 
1793, he arrived at Charleston, in South Carolina, where 
he was received, by the governor and the citizens, in a 
manner expressive of their warm attachment to his country, 
and their cordial approbation of the change in her insti- 
tutions. 

42. Flattered by his reception, ana presuming that the 
nation and the government were actuated by similar feel 
mgs, he assumed the authority of expediting privateers 
from that port to cruise against tlie vessels of nations who 
were enemies to France, but at peace with the United 
States, a procedure forbidden by tne laws of nations, and 
derogatory to the government of the country. NotAvith- 
stanaing this illegal assumption of power, he received, on 
his journey to Philadelphia, extravagant marks of public 
attachment; and, on his arrival there, "crowds flocked 
fVom every aven ic of the city to meet the republican am- 
bassador of an allied nation. ' Intoxicated by those con 



179aj ADMINISTRATION. 229 

tinned and increased demonstrations of regard, he persisted 
m forming and executing schemes of liostility agfunst tho 
enemies of France. 

43. The British minister complained to the president, 
who, by the unanimous advice of his cabinet, directed Mr. 
Jefferson, the secretary of state, to lay before the minister 

''France the principles wliich "vvould regulate the conduct 
f tlie executive m relation to the powers at war. These 
principles forbade the course which Mr. Genet had pur- 
sued. Relying on the popularity of his nation, he attempted, 
by insolent ana offensive declarations, to drive the president 
from the ground he had taken. He tlireatened to appeal 
from the government to the people, a measure which other 
agents of the French republic had adopted with success 
in Europe. Here the result was different. The people 
rallied around rulers, having the same interest as them- 
Belves. The mmister was abandoned hy most of hia 
friends ; his government, at tlie request ot the president 
annulled his powers ; and fearing to return, he remained 
in the country, a^triking exan pie of the imbecility of a 
factious individual among a people confiding in their rulers, 
and contented witli their lot. 

44. This conduct of Mr. Genet, the atrocities commit- 
ted by tiie French people, and the dreaded danger of their 
example, alienated from them many of tlie citizens of the 
United States, especially tiiose belonging to tlie federal 
party. And as the world was then agitated by the mighty 
contest between France and Great Britain — a contest 
which pennitted not neutrality of feelino- — those who 
became hostile to tlie former became naturally the friends 
of the latter. To her they were besides attracted by 
identity of origin, by resemlJlance of institutions, by simi- 
larity of language, by community of laws, of literature, 
and of religion. 

45. The republicans retained an imabated affection foi 
the French, whose services they remembered with grati- 
tude, and whose struggles for freedom, against the league 
of European tyrants,'engaged all their sympathy. Over 
these two parties Washington, admitting no thought but 
for his own country, watched with anxious solicitude, 
striving to restrain tlieir aberrations, and to temper their 
mutual animosities. 

40. After the defeat of St Clair by the Indians, in 1791, 
in3nerai Wayne wa>~ npjv-jiitted to commnnd tho American 
'20 



230 WASHIINGTON'S [1795. 

forces. Taking post near the country of the enemy, he 
made assiduous and long protracted endeavors to negotiate 
a peace. Failing in these, he marched agamst them, at 
the head of three thousand men. On the 20th of Auo^ust, 
1794, an action took place in the vicinity of one of the 
British garrisons, on the banks of the Miami. A rapid 
and vigorous charge roused tlie savages from tlieir coverts, 
and they were driven more than two miles at the point of 
the bayonet. Broken and dismayed, they fled without 
renewing the combat. Their houses and cornfields were 
destroyed, and forts were erected on the sites of the toAvns 
laid waste. In 1795, a treaty was concluded at Grenville, 
which, long and faithfully observed, gave peace and se- 
curity to the frontier inhabitants, pennitting the abundant 
population of the eastern states to spread, with astonishing 
rapidity, over the fertile region north-west of the Ohio. 

47. The tax which had been imposed upon spirits dis- 
tilied within the country, bearmg heavily upon the people 
in the western counties of Pennsylvania, produced there 
disaffection and disturbance. All excise taxes, of which 
this was one, being considered hostile to liberty, great 
exertions were made to excite the pubhc resentment 
against tlioso who should willingly pay it, and especially 
against the officers appointed to collect it. In September, 
1/91, a large meeting of malcontents was held at Pitts- 
burgh, at which resolutions, encouraging resistance to the 
laws, were passed ; and subsequently otner meetings were 
held, at which similar resolutions were adopted. Com- 
mittees of correspondence were also appointed to give unity 
of system to their measures, and to increase the number 
of tneir associates. 

48. A proclamation of the president, exhorting all per- 
sons to desist from illegal comoinations.and calling on the 
magistrates to execute the laws, was uisregarded. The 
marshal of the state, Avhile sending processes upon delin- 
quents and offenders, was resisted and fired upon. The 
inspector of the revenue, dreading tlie indio^nation of the 
populace, procured a small detachment of soldiers to guard 
nis house. These were attacked by a body of five hundred 
insurgents, Avho, settuigfire to several contiguous buildings, 
obliged tlie soldiers to leave the house, and dehver them- 
selves up. Several individuals, zealous in supporting the 
government.were ordered to quit the country ana compelled 
to obey. An intention was openly avowed of forcibly 



1795.J ADMUNIISTRATION. 233 

resisting the general government with tlie view of extort- 
ing a repeal of the offensive laws. The effective strength 
oithe insurgents was computed at seven thousand men. 

49. The president, conceiving himself hound by the most 
solemn obligations, "to take care tliat tlie laws be faith- 
fully executed," determined to call out a part of tiie militia 
of Pennsylvania, and the adjacent states, to suppress tliis 
insurrection. In tlie autumn of 1794, fifteen thousand 
were detached, and being placed under the command of 
governor Lee, of Virginia, were marched into tiie disaf- 
fected counties. The strengtli of this anny rendering 
resistance desperate, none was offered, and no blood was 
shed. A few of tlie most active leaders were seized and 
detained lor le^al prosecution. The great body of the 
insiirgents on simmission were pardoned, as were also the 
leaders, after trial and conviction of treason. The govern- 
ixient acquired the respect of the people, by tliis exertion 
of its force, and their affection, by tliis display of its lenity. 

50. Since the peace of 1783, Great Britain and the 
United States had each incessantly complained that the 
other had violated the stipulations contained in tlie treaty. 
The former Avas accused of having carried away negroes 
at tlie close of the revolutionary war ; and of retaining in 
'ler possession ceitain military posts situated in the west- 
em wilderness, and within the limits of the United States, 
in consequence of which the Americans were deprived of 
their share of the fur trade, and the Indians incited to 
make hicursions upon tlie frontier settlements. The latter 
were accused of preventing the loyalists from regaining 
possession of their estates, and 'British subjects from 
recovering debts contracted before the commencement of 
hostilities. 

51. For the puqiose of adjusting these mutual complaints, 
and also of concluding a commercial treaty, Mr. Adams, in 
1785, was appointed minister to London. Great Britam, 
aware that the articles of confederation did not authorize 
congress to bind the states by a commercial treaty, de- 
clined then to negotiate. After the constitution was 
ratified, ministers were interchanged, and the discussion 
was prosecuted with no httle acrunony and zeal. 

5'^. In 1794, Mr. Jay being then minister from the 
United States, a treaty was concluded, which, in the 
spring of the next year was laid before the senate. That 
body advised the president to ratify it, on condition that 
an alteration should be made in one of the articles. Its 



2-.ja V/ASHlJNGTOx\'S 11795. 

contents having, in the mean time, been disclosed, tha 
republican party exclaimed, in intempeiate language, 
against most of tiie stipulations it contained. 'Pne 
partisans of F'-ance swelled tlie cry of condemnation. 
Public meetings were held in various partes of the union, 
at which resolutions; were passed expressing warm disap- 
probation of the treatv, and an earnest wish that tho 
president would withhold his ratification. Such appeared 
to be the wish of a great majority of the people. 

5^3. General Wasliington, believing that an adjustment 
of differences would conduce to the prosperity of tlie 
republic, and that the treaty before him was the best that 
could, at that time, be obtained, gave it his assent, m 
defiance of popular clamor. So great was tlie confidence 
reposed, by the people, in their beloved chief-magistrate, 
tJiat the public sentiment began hnmediately to change. 
The friends of the treaty not only increased in numbers, 
but gained courage to speak in its defence. And during 
the summer of 171)5, tlie nation was agitated by a zealous 
and anhnated discussion of its merits. 

54. At the next session of congress, it became a subject 
of consideration in tlie house of representatives. The 
treaty, its negotiator, and even the president, were viru- 

ently censured, and wannly defended, in a debate which 
has seldom been equalled for its intemperauce,its eloquence, 
or its duration. On the final question, a majority of three 
voted in favor of the appropriation necessary to carry it 
into effect. The subsequent prosperity of American com- 
merce demonstrate* the wisdom of the president's decision. 

55. The conduct of Spain towards the United States, 
had ever been cold and unfriendly. She feared lest the 
principles of liberty, and tlie desire of independence should 
find their M-ay into her contiguous American proyincas, 
During the negotiations at Paris, which resulted in peaca, 
ihe secretly exerted her influence to cause the western 
boundaries of the new republic, from the oi-eat lakes to 
Florida, to be fixed two or tliree hundred mnes east of the 
Mississippi. To the repeated offers, which were after- 
wards made, to form with her a commercial treaty, and to 
make arrangements respecting tlie mutual navigation of 
tiiat river, she pertinaciously declined to accede. 

5(i Wlien tne inhabitants beyond the Alleghany moun- 
lams had become numerous, slie denied tliem access to 
iJie ocean by tlie medium of that river, tlie mouth of which 
was witliin her province of Louisiana. She intended, 



17U5.1 ADMINISTRATION. 233 

perhaps, to show tliem tlie importance of tliat privilege 
Dy withholding it, and to allure them, by tlie promise of 
restoring it, to submit to her autliority. The people of 
Kentucky, indignant at the depnvation, laid tlieir com- 
plaints before congress. In bold and forcible language 
they asserted their rights, by the laws of God and of 
nature, to tlie free use of that noble river, and demanded 
tliat, at any cost, tlie acknowledgement of that right shoiihi 
be obtained. 

.'iS. At length Spain became involved in a war vrih 
France. Emoarrassed at home, and intimidated by the 
unautliorized preparations which, under the auspices of 
Genet, were maldng in Kentucky to invade Louisiana, 
sue iniimated her readiness to conclude a satislactory 
treaty, should a minister be sent to Madrid for that pur- 
pose. Thomas Pinkney Avas accordingly appointed. In 
October, 1795, a treaty was signed, securing to the citizens 
of the United States the free navigation of the Mississippi 
to the ocean, and tlie privilege of landing and depositing 
cargoes at New Orleans. 

5&. Thus were adjusted all controversies with two 
European powers, whicli, while tliey existed, retardcfl the 
prosperity, and disturbed the tranquillity of the country ; 
and from which, at different periods, even war was seriously 
apprehended. In 1795, a treaty was also concluded witli 
tlie regency of Algiers, with Avhich the republic was pre- 
viously at war. It stipulated that the United States, in 
conformity with tiie practice of otlier nations, should, as 
the price of peace, pay an annual trihute to the sovereign 
of that country. 

59. Witliin tlie last two or three years, several changes 
took place in tlie important offices of the nation. On the 
%st day of the year 1794, Mr. Jefferson resigned the office 
of secretary of' state. He had performed the duties of 
tliat office with extraordinary ability, and to tlie entire 
satisfaction of the president. Having been minister to 
France at the commencement of the revolution there he 
became acquainted with its prime movers, and, anticipating 
from their exertions the diffusion of the principles of 
liberty and the renovation of tlie government, Avas, in the 
early stages of its progress, its enthusiastic and undis- 
guised defender. Of the republican party, he was con- 
eidered the leader, enjoying their highest confidence and 
warmest attachment. He was succeeded by Edmund 
Randolph, of Virginia. 



334 WAylllNGTON'S [ITJ^ 

60. On tlie last day of January, 1795, Mr. Hamilton 
retired from tlie office of secretary of the treasury. He 
possessed distinf^uished talents, and had exerted those 
talents to establisli order ivliere all Avas confusion, and tc 
raise from the lowest depression the credit of the country 
His complete success greatly exalted his reputation, and 
to him the federalists felt a sincerity or attachment 
equalled only by that entertained for Washington. With, 
him he had serv^ed in tlie revolutionary war, and had then 
acquired his confidence and affection, which he ever after- 
wards retained. Being tlie advocate of an energetic 
government, and averse to intrusting much power with 
Uie people, he was peculiarly obnoxious to the republican 
party. He was accused of partiality to England, and of 
misconduct in office. After the closest scrutiny, his 
official character was acknowledged, by his enemies, to be 
without stain. He was succeeded by Oliver Walcott, of 
Connecticut 

61. At the close of the year ] 794, general Knox resigned 
the office of secretary oi war, and colonel Pickering, of 
Massachusetts, was appointed in his place. In August 
Mr. Randolph, having lost tlie confidence of the president, 
and having m consequence retired from the administration, 
Mr. Pickering wa-s appointed his successor in the depart- 
ment of state, and James M'Henry, of Maryland, was made 
secretary of war. No republican being now at the head 
of any of the departments, many of the leaders of that 

f>arty Avithdrew their support from the adminisuation ; and 
icentious individuals, m their abusive attacks, dared to 
charge even the president witli corruption. But tlie 
confidence of tfie people in his integrity and patriotism 
experienced not the slightest abatement 

62. The conduct of France towards the American re- 
public continued to be a source of increasing trouble and 
vexation. Mr. Fauchet, the successor of (lenet, bore, from 
tliose by whom he was deputed, the strongest assurances 
of friendship ; but encouraged and supported by a numerous 
party ardently attached to ins nation, he gradually assumed 
towards the administration the tone of remonstrance and 
reproach. He charged it witli sentiments of hostility to 
the allies of the United States, with partiality for tLeir 
former foes, and urged tlie adoption of a course more 
favorable to the cause of liberty. 

63. The American government was in fact desirous of 
ftillilling all its duties to France, and of conciliatmg her 



1796,] ADMINISTRATION. '235 

friendship. Mr. Morris, tiie niinister to Paris, liaving 
incurred the displeasure of those in power, Avas rccalJed 
at their request, and his place supplied by Mr. Monroe of 
Virginia. This g'entleman was a republican, and ha«J 
emlWaced with ardor the cause of the French repiiblic. 
He was received in the most respectful manner by tlie 
convention, who decreed that the Mgs of tlie two republics, 
entwined together, should be suspended in the legislative 
hall, as a mark of their eternal union and friendship. 

(>1. Mr. Adet was appointed, soon after, to succeed Mr. 
Fauchet. He broutrht with him the colors of France, 
which he was instructed, by the convention, to present to 
the congress of the United States. They were received 
by the president with extraordinary ceremonies, transmit- 
ted to congress, and afterwards deposited in the natiorud 
archives. In the house of representatives, a resolution 
was unanimously adopted, expressing the lively sensations 
which were excited by this testimony of tlie existing sym- 
pathy of the two republics, and their hope, that the bril- 
liant and glorious victories of tlie French people would 
lead to the perfect establishment of their liberty and 
happiness, 

(jo. But France required of the United States more tiian 
professions and hopes, and more tlian by treaty she was 
entitled to claim. She wished to make them a party hi 
the war she was waging with the despots of Em-ope. 
Failing in this, and jealous of the more intimate relatione 
contracted with her enemy, she adopted regulations highly 
injurious to American commerce, directing her cruisers to 
capture, in certain cases, the vessels of the United States. 
In consequence of these regulations, several hundreds, 
loaded witn valuable cargoes, were, wliile prosecuting a 
lawful trade, taken, and the v.jiole confiscated. 

66. Believing that the rights of the nation were not 
asserted and vindicated with sufficient spirit by Mr. Mon- 
roe, tlie president recalled him, and Charles C. IMnkney 
of South Carolina, was appointed in his stead. In tlie 
summer of 1796, he left tne United States, instructed to 
use every oftbrt compatible with national honor, to restore 
the amicable relations wliich had once subsisted between 
the sister republics. 

G7. General Washington having, at the sacrifice of hia 
own predilections, devoted a jp-eat portion of his life to 
his country ; having successtully conducted .its armies 
tlirough an arduous conflict for existence ; and having 



236 WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. [17961 

since directed its course through the most critical period 
of an experiment under a free constitution, determined to 
retire to the enjoyment of domestic happiness and rural 
quiet. In September, lie announced this determination to 
his fellow citizens, and feeling for them all the solicitude 
of a father for his children, he published at the same time 
a farewell address. 

68. From long experience, he had acquired an intima . o 
acquaintance witli the dangers to which the liberties of 
the republic were exposed. These he deprecated, ai'd 
warned his countrymen to shun, with all the impressive 
energy of conviction, and all the ardor of parental affection* 
He besouo-ht them, especially, to frown mdignantly upon 
tlie first dawning of any attempt at a separation of the 
union ; to discard local attachments and sectional animosi- 
ties ; to guard against the excessive indulgence of the 
spirit of party, and against cherishing a hatred of particular 
nations, and an afection for others. 

61). Tliis address was read with sentiments of profound 
veneration in every part of the union. Some of the state 
legislatures directed it to be inserted at large in their 
journals, and most of them passed resolutions expressing 
their respect for tiie author, their high sense of iiis exalted 
services, and tlie emotions with which they contemplated 
his retirement from office. 

70. To fill the station from which tlie father of his 
country had resolved to retire, tlie two great political par- 
ties brought forward their chiefs. The federahsts, desiring 
that the system of measures adopted by Washington should 
continue to be pursued, and dreadm"- the influence of 
French sentiments and principles, made the most active 
efforts to elect Jolm Adams. The republicans, believing 
iheir opponents less friendly than themselves to the maxims 
of liberty, and too much devoted to the British nation and 
TO British institutions, made equal exertions to elect 
Thomas Jefferson. 

71 . The result was the choice of Mr. Adams to be 
president, and Mr. Jefferson to be vice-president. Re- 
leased from public cares, Wasliington hastened to Mount 
Vernon. Having established his fame as the greatest 
hero and most distinguished statesman of the age, he 
there, devoting his time to the cultivation of an extensive 
farm, added to his titles of renown that of tlie most indu»- 
trious and intelUgent agriculturalist of liis country 



3;i7 

CHAPTER XXV. 

MR. ADAMS'S, MR. JEFFERSON'S, AND PART 

OF MR. MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION 

DECLARATION OF WAR 

Mr. Adams, soon after the commencement of his presi- 
dential temi, received from Mr. Pinkney despatches of a 
most disagreeable and alarming nature. The directory, 
then exercising the executive authority in France, had 
refused to accredit him, declaring their determination not 
to receive another minister from tlie United States, until 
they had fully complied with the demands which had been 
made. He was moreover ordered, by a written mandate, 
to (flit the teiTitories of the republic. 

y. Congress were immediately convened, and the de- 
spatches laid before them. Their proceedings indicated a 
love of peace, but also a firm determination to yield to 
no unjust demand. LaAvs were passed authorizing the 
president, whenever he should deem it necessary, to 
detach eighty thousand men from tlie militia of the United 
States, providing for an increase of the navy, and for 
augmenting tlie revenue of the nation. To dis}>lay to 
France, and to the world, his desire of peace, and to leave 
no means unattempted to preserve it,tiie president resolved 
to institute another and more solemn mission. General 
Pinlaiey, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, were accord- 
ingly appointed envoys to the French republic, and were 
instructed, as the first had before been, to seek a recon- 
ciliation as the representatives of a people dreadmg war 
much, but tlie sacrifice of honor more. 

3. These also the directory refused to receive, '^'^hev 
were, however, addressed by' persons verbally instructs ^ 
oy Talleyrand, the minister of foreign relations, to make 
them proposals. In explicit terms, tliese unofiicial agents 
demanded a large sum of money before any negotiation 
could be opened. To this insulting demand, a decided 
negative was given, A compliance was nevertheless 
repeatedly urged, until at length tlie envoys refused to 
hold with tjiem any further communication. After re- 
maining several months at Paris, pressing in vain to bo 
received and heard, two, Avho were tederalists, were ordered 
to leave France, but Mr. Gerry, who was a republican, 
was permitted to remain, and was invited singly to enter 



'4:J8 ADAMS'S [180a 

into discussions relating to the conimencenient of a nego- 
tiation. 

4. When tliese events were known in the United States 
they excited general indignation. The spirit of party ap- 
jjoared to be extinct. " Millions for defence, not a cent for 
tribute,''' resounded from every quarter of the union. The 
treaty of alliance with France was declared by congress 
to be no longer in force. Authority was given for captur- 
Vig armed French vessels. Provision was made for raisingf 
ifnmediatclv a small regular army ; and, m case events 
should render it expedient, for augmenti^ig it A direct 
tax and additional internal duties were laid. 

5. To comm.and the armies of the United States, presi- 
dent Adams, with the unanimous advice of the senate 
a})pointed George Washington. He consented, but witli 
great reluctance, to accept the office, declaring, however.* 
that he cordially approved the measures of the government. 

6. No opportunity was presented of testing the courage 
and skill of the American troops. At sea a desperate 
action was fouoht between the frigate Constellation, of 38 
guns, conmianded by commodore Truxton, and the French 
ti'igate L'Insurgente, of 40 guns. The latter, although of 
superior force, was captured. The same intrepid officer, 
in a subsequent action, compelled anotlier French fi'igate, 
of 50 guns, to strike her colors ; but she afterAvards escaped 
in the night. 

7. The United States, in arms at home and victorious 
on the ocean, conmianded the respect of their enemy. 
Tiie directory made overtures of peace. The president 
immediately appointed ministers, who, on their arrival at 
Paris, found the executive authority in the possession of 
Bonaparte as first consul. They were promptly accredited, 
and in September, 1800, a treaty was concluded satisfac- 
tory to both countries. 

8. While this negotiation was in progress, the whole 
American people were overshadowed with gloom, by tlie 
sudden death of the father of his countrv. On the 14tli 
of December, 17L)9, after an illness of one day only, general 
Washington expired. Intelligence of this event, as it 
rapidly spread, produced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected 
grief, suspending every otlier thought, and absorbing every 
different feeling. 

9. Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immedi- 
ately adjourned. On assemblmg the next day, tlie house 
©f representatives resolved, "Uiat the speaker's chair 



1800.1 ADMINISTRATION. 2:^1 

should be shrouded m black, and the members wear black 
during tlie session ; and that a joint committee should bo 
appointed to devise the most suitable manner of paying 
nonor to the memory of the MAN first in war, first in 
peace, and first in tiie hearts of his countrymen." 

10. The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed 
a letter of condolence to the president of the United States. 
"This event," they observe, "so distressing to all our 
fellow citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, whc> 
have long been associated with himm deeds of patriotism. 
Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this 
occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at 
such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Oiu* 
country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of 
human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor 
and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence 
to HIM who maketli darkness his pavilion. 

11. "With patriotic pride we review the life of our 
WASHINGTON, and compare him with those of other 
countries wlio have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient 
and modern names are dimmished before him. Greatness 
and guilt have too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter 
than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed 
at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved tlie intemperance 
of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

12. " Such Avas the man whom we deplore. ThanJcs to 
God, his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on 
eaitli in his spotless example — his spirit is in heaven. Let 
nis countrymen consecrate the memory of tlie heroic gene- 
ral, the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage : let 
them teach their children never to forget that the fruits 
of his labors, and of his example, are their inhtnkmce.''^ 

VS. Agreeably to the report of tlie committee, and the 
unanimous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moveC 
from the legislative hall to the German Lutheran church, 
where an oration was dehvered by general Lee, a repre- 
sentative from Virginia. The procession was grand and 
solemn, the oration impressive and eloquent. Throughout 
the union similaj marks of affliction were exhibitcT. A 
whole bereaved people appeared in mourning. In every 
part of the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and 
tlie best talents of the nation were devoted to an expression 
of the nation's grief. 

14. In pursuance of tlie law enacted in 1790, a place 
tiad been selected on th» Potomac, a fe^v miles above 



240 JEFFERSON'S jlSOl. 

Mount Vemon, for the permanent seat of tlie national gov- 
erntnent. Witliin a district ten miles square, 'which waa 
called the District of Columbia, a city was laid out, to 
which the name of Washing^ton was appropriately given. 
Public buildings having been erected, tJie officers of gov- 
ermnent removed to tliat place in 1800, and in November 
of tliat year, congress, for the first time, tliere commenced 
ite session. 

] 5. At this period, a presidential election again recurred. 
From the time of tlie adoption of the constitution, the 
ropublican party had been gradually increasing in numbers. 
The two parties being now nearly equal, thie prospect of 
success inspired both witli uncommon ardor. The feder^ 
alists supported Mr. Adams and general Pinkney ; the 
republicans, Mr. Jeffei-son and colonel Burr. The two 
latter received a small majority of the electoral votes ; 
and as thev received also an equal number, ilie selection 
of one of tlicm to be president devolved upon the house of 
representatives. Alter thirty-five trials, during which 
the nation felt intense solicitude, Mr. Jefferson was cho- 
sen. Colonel Burr received the votes of the federalists, 
and lost, in consequence, the confidence of his former 
friends. By the provisions of the constitution, he became^ 
of course, \ice-president. 

It). The causes which rendered Mr. Adams unpopular 
and led to a change in the administration, were, his apparr 
ent coldness towards the French revolution ; the charge that 
the federalists generally v/ere partial to Great Britain ; the 
expenditure of money for building a navy and for oUier pur- 
poses alleged to be impolitic or useless ; tlie enactment of 
the alien lav/, by which the president was authorized to 
compel suspected foreigners to leave tlie country, and of the 
sedition law, which provided that tlie authors and publish- 
ers of false and malicious accusations against the president 
and members of congress should be prosecuted and pun- 
ished. But more effectual than these was the charge that 
Mr. Adams, and the party which supported him, entertain- 
ed political opinions less favorable to liberty than those of 
the party which opposed him.-- By deserting a man so dis- 
tinguished as Mr. Adams for his talents, for nis experience 
in political affairs, and for the important services which he 
had rendered to his country in the revolutionary struggle, 
the people showed how jealous they were of the liberty 
they had obtained, and liow firmly tney were detennined 
to guard it from even possible danger. 



1803] ADUiNlSTRATION. 2^1 

17. The control oftlio p-ovornmont bnin.of now trp.nsffer- 
red to the republican party, they, at the next session of 
congress, repealed, after a lonrj and eloquent debate, a 
law altering- the judicial system, which had been passed 
at tlie close of JMr, Adams's administration. This rej^eal 
annihilated the offices of sixteen judges, who had just 
been appointed. At the same session, the internal duties 
were also abolished. 

18. A second census of tlie people, referring to 1800, 
was completed in 1801. They amounted to 5,3J9,7()J^, 
having in ten years increased nearly one milhon four hun 
dred thousand. In the same number of years the exnorta 
increased from mnideen to nhiet)/-/onr millions, ana the 
revenue from 4,771,000 to r>,945;obO dollars ! This raj)id 
advance in the career of prosperity has no parallel in the 
history of nations, and is to be attributed pnncipally to tne 
institutions of the country, which, securing equal privi- 
leges to all, g^ive to the enterprise and industry of all 
free scope and full encouragement. 

19. In 1802, tlie state of Ohio was admitted into the 
union. It was formerly a portion of the Northwestern ■ 
Territory, for tlie government of which, in 1787, an ordi- 
nance was passed, by the continental congress. Witii 
commendable foresight they provided that slaveiy, tiio 
source of weakness, of poverty, and of crime, sliould 
never exist in that extensive and fertile region. This ia 
djubtless one of tiic causes of tlie unparalleled rapidity of 
Its population. In thirty years from its first settlement, 
the number of its inhabitants exceeded half a million. 
The state of Tennessee, which was previously a part of 
North Carolina, and lies between that state and the river 
Mississippi, was admitted in 179(). 

20. The right of deposit at New Orleans, conceded to 
the citizens of the United States by Spain, and necessary 
to the people of the western country, had, until this pen- 
od, been freely enjoyed. In October, the chief officer of 
tliat city prohibited the exercise of it in future. Tina 
violation of a solemn engagement produced, throughout 
tJie states of Ohio and Kentucky, indignant clamor and 
violent commotion. In congress, a proposition was made 
to take possession, by force, of the whole province of 
Louisiana, and the injured people of the west were eager 
for ponnission to avenge their wn^ng.'-, and to regain their 
rights, by the sword. 

21. A more i)aciric course wng adopted. Knowing 



242 JEFPKRSON'S [1804. 

that tlie province had been ceded, altlioiigh not transferred, 
to France, tiie president instituted a negotiation to acquire 
it by purchase. In April 1803, a treaty was concluded, 
conveying it to tlie United States for fifteen millions of 
dollars. 

22.^ The territory thus added to the national domain, 
was first discovered by the French, who, in 1(199, began a 
settlement within its limits. It contmued a colony of 
that nation until 1762, when it was ceded to Spain. In 
her possession it remained, slowly increasing in popula- 
tion, until October, 1800, when it was retroceded to 
France, and by her was afterwards, as has been related, 
transferred to the United States. The inhabitants, a 
mixture of French and Spaniards, were not numerous. 
Its boundaries have never been defined. They embrace, 
at a moderate estimation, a territory more extensive than 
some of the most powerful Eu.ropean kingdojns, and in 
many parts the soil is exceedingly fertile. Its acquisition 
was considered, by the United States, of the greatest 
importance, as it gave them the entire control of a river, 
which is one of the noblest in tlie world 

23. Since the year 1801, war had existed between the 
United States and Tripoli, one of the states of Barbary, 
situated on the coast of the Mediterranean. No memo- 
rable event occurred until 1803, when a large squadron, 
under the command of commodore Preble, was despatciied 
into that sea. On arriving before Tripoli, captain Bain- 
bridge, in tlie frigate Philadelphia, of 44 guns, was sent 
into the harbor to reconnoitre. While in eager pursuit of 
a small vessel, he unfortunately advanced so far that the 
frigate o-rounded, and all attempts to remove her were in 
vam. The sea around her was immediately covered witli 
Tripolitan gun-boats, and capUiin Bainbridge was compel- 
led to surrender. The officers were considered as pris- 
oners of war ; but the crew, according to tlie custom of 
Barbary, were treated as slaves. 

24. At the capture of this frigate, the enemy rejoiced 
and exulted beyond measure. Lieutenant Stephen Deca- 
tur conceived tlie design of retaking or desti-oying her. 
Commodore Preble, applauding the spirit of the youthful 
hero, granted him permission to make the attempt. In 
February, 1804, he sailed from Syracuse, in a small 
schooner, having on board but seventy-six men, entered 
undiscovered the harbor of Tripoli, and, advancin"- boldly, 
took a station alongside tlie frigate. Perceiving tne crew 



1805.1 ADMINISTRATION. 243 

in consternation, Decatur sprang on board ; his men fol 
lowed, and with drawn sAvords rushed upon the enemy 
The decks were soon cleared, some being killed, and 
others driven into the sea. 

25. A heavy cannonade upon the frigate, from the 
batteries on shore and the corsairs near, was now com- 
menced, and several vessels of war were seen approach- 
ing. She was set on fire and abandoned, none of tlie 
party being killed, and but four wounded. Throughout 
all the piratical states, this brilliant exploit exalted the 
reputation of the American arms. Tne president, m 
reward of his address and bravery, promoted lieutenant 
Decatur to the rank of post-captain in the navy. 

26. While the squadron remained before Tripoli, other 
deeds of heroism were performed, evincing a love of fame 
and a devotion to country unsurpassed in Grecian or 
Roman story. The events and operations of this war 
shed a lustre upon the American name, gave experience 
and cfiaracter to the officers, and prepared tliem to acquire 
greater glory in a contest with a nobler foe. They were 
equalled, however, by an enterprise on land, bold and 
romantic in its conception, and exhibiting, in its execu- 
tion, uncommon address and decision of character. 

27. William Eaton, who had been a captain in the 
American army, was, at the commencement of this Avar, 
consul at Tunis. He tliere became acquainted with 
Hamet Caramanly, whom a younger brother had excluded 
from the throne of Tripoli. With liim he concerted an 
expedition against the reigning sovereign, and returned 
to tlie United States to obtain pennission and the means 
to undertake it. Permission was granted, the co-opera- 
tion of the squadron recommended, and such pecuniary 
assistance as could be spared was afforded. 

28. To raise an army in Egypt^ and lead it to attack 
the usurper in liis dommions, was the project which had 
been concerted. In the beginning of 1805, Eaton met 
Hamet at Alexandria, and was appointed general of his 
forces. On the 6th of March, at the head of a respecta- 
ble body of mounted Arabs, and about seventy Christians, 
lie set out for Tripoli. His route lay across a desert, one 
thousand miles in extent. On his march, he encountered 
peril, fatigue, and suffering, the description of Avhich 
would resemble the exaggerations of romance. On the 
25th of April, having been fifty days on the march, he 
arrived before Derne, a Tripolitan city on the Mediterra 



244 JEFFERSON'S [l&Mi 

noan, and found in the harbor a part of the American 
squadron, destined to assist him. lie learnt also that tlie 
usurper, havinf]^ received notice of his approach, had 
raised a considerable army, and was tlien Avithin a day's 
march of tlio city. 

t>l). No time was therefore to be lost. The next morn- 
ing- he summoned the governor to surrender, who returned 
for answer, " My head or yours." The city was assaulted, 
and after a contest of two hours and a half, possession 
jTaincd. The Christians suffered severely and tlie g-eneral 
was slightly wounded. Great exertions were immediately 
made to fortify the city. On the 8th of May, it was at- 
tacked by the "^Tripolitan army. Although ten times n)ore 
numerous tlian Eaton's band, tlie assailants, after per- 
sisting four hours in the attempt, were compelled to 
retire. On the 10th of June another battle was fought, 
in which tlie enemy were defeated. The next day tlie 
American frigate Constitution arrived in tlie harbor, 
v/hich so terrified the Tripolitans tliat they fled precipi- 
tately to the desert, 

30. The frigate came, however, to arrest tlie operations 
of Eaton, in tlie midst of his brilliant and successful 
career. Alarmed at his progress, the reigning bashaw had 
offered terms of peace, whicli, being much more favorable 
than had before been offered, were ^accepted by Mr. Lear, 
tlie authorized agent of the government. Sixty thousand 
dollars were given as a ransom for the unfortunate Amer- 
ican prisoners, and an engagement was made to witlidraw 
all support from Hamet. The nation, proud of tlio ex- 
ploits of Eaton, regretted this diplomatic interference, but 
tlie treaty w; s ratified by tlie president and senate ; and 
tlius ended the war in tlie Mediterranean. 

ol. Colonel Burr, ha\ang lost the confidence of the re- 
Dublican party, became, in 1804, a candidate for the office 
of governor of New York: tiie federalists o-enerally gave 
hini tlieir votes, but Mr. Hamilton, considering him an un- 
principled politician, openly opposed his election. The 
choice fell upon tlie rival candidate. A duel ensued 
between these distinguished individuals, the challenge 
proceeding from Burr. Hamilton was mortJilly wounded. 
This event produced a strong and lively sensation tlirough- 
out tlie union. At the next presidential election, which 
occurred in the sanui year, Mr. Jefferson was elected pres- 
ident, and George Clinton of New York, vice-president, 
the fonner receivnig all but foiu^een votes 



1807.] ADMINISTRATION. 245 

32. Burr, notwithstanding' his briJhan talents, now 
sunk, for a time, into merited obscurity. His future con- 
duct showed, however, that, while unobserved by Ms fel- 
low citizens, he had not been idle. In the autumn of 1806, 
his movements in the western country attracted the notice 
of government. He had purchased and was building boats 
on the Oiiio, and engaging men to descend tliat river. 
His declared purpose was to form a settlement on the 
banks of tlie Washita^ in Louisiana ; but the character of 
tlie man, the nature of his preparations, and the incautious 
disclosures of his associates, led to the suspicion that Ids 
true object was either to gain possession of New Orleans 
and erect into a separate government the country watered 
by the Mississippi and its branches, or to invade, from the 
territories of the United States, the rich Spanish prov- 
mce of Mexico. 

33. From the first moment of suspicion, he was closely 
watched by the agents of the government. At Natchez, 
while on his way to New Orleans, he was cited to appear 
before the supreme court of the Mississippi Territory. But 
ne had so enveloped Ms projects in secrecy, that sufficient 
evidence to convict him could not be produced, and he was 
discharged. Hearing, however, that several persons, sus- 
pected of being Ms accomplices, had been arrested at New 
Orleans and elsewhere, he fled in disguise from Natchez, 
M'as apprehended on the Tombigbee, and conveyed a pns- 
oner to Richmond. Two indictments were fouiid against 
hiir, one charging him witli treason against tlie United 
States, the other with preparing and commencing an ex- 
pedition against the domuiions of Spain. 

34. In August, 1807, he was tried, upon tliose indict- 
ments, before John Marshall, the chief justice of the 
United States. Full evidence of his guilt not being ex 
hibited, he was acquitted by the jury. The people, now- 
ever, believed him guilty ; and by their desertion and 
contempt, he was reduced to a' condition of the most abject 
wretchedness. The ease with which his plans were de- 
feated, demonstrated the strength of the government,and his 
fate will ever be an impressive v/arnin^ to those Avho, in a 
free country, listen to the suggestions oi criminal ambition. 

35. The Avars produced by the French revolution con- 
tinued to rare in Europe. The attempts, made by the 
neighboring kings, to com})el repubhcan France to resume 
her monarchical institutions, had not only been resisted 
and defeated by her indignant citizens, but they had fol- 

21* 



246 JEFFERSON'S |1807 

lowed liome the repelled invaders of tlieir country, and 
had subdued those who began the war witli the Iiope and 
purpose of subduintr France. The nation liad necessarily 
become a nation ot soldiers, and one, more daring and for- 
tunate than the others, had been placed at their head as 
chief of the repubhc. By his extraordinary talents, and 
the vast means subjected to his single will, he acquired 
control over most oi the European kingdoms. 

Six England, however, unsubdued and undaunted, had 
become as pre-eminent on the water as France on the knd 
Her powerful navy expelled every hostile navy from the 
ocean, and rode triumphant in every sea. America profit- 
ed from the destruction of the ships and commerce of 
other nations. Being neutral, her vessels carried from 
port to port the productions of France and her dependent 
kingdoms ; and also to the ports of those kingdoms the 
manufactures of England. Few ships were found on tlie 
ocean except those of the United States and Great Britain. 

37. Tlie latter, having always found it impossible to 
man her numerous fleets by voluntary enlistments, had 
Deen accustomed to resort to impressment, or seizing by 
force her subjects, and compelling tliem to serve, as sailors, 
on board her ships of war. Soon after the peace of 1783, 
she claimed a ri^ht to search for and seize them, even on 
board of neutral vessels while traversing the ocean. In 
tlie exercise of this pretended right, citizens of the United 
States, sometimes by mistake and sometimes by design, 
were seized, drao^ged from their fhends, transported to 
distant parts of the world, compelled to perform the de- 
grading duty of British sailors, a)id to fight with nations at 
peace wit)) their own. Against this outrage upon personal 
liberty and the rin-jits of American citizens, Washington, 
Adiims, and Jefierson had remonstrated in vain. The 
abuse continued, and every year "added to .its enormity, 
until a feeling of resentment was" aroused wortliy the best 
period of tlie Roman republic. 

38. But not in this mode only were tlie rights of tlie 
United States invaded and their interest sacriticed on the 
ocean. The carrying trade afforded a harvest too rich, and 
too tempting to Britisli cupidity, to be long enjoyed unmo- 
lested. American ships, carrying to Europe tlie produce 
of French colonies, were, in an early stage of the war, 
captured by British cruisers, and condemned by their 
courts as lawful prizes. Several European ports, under 
tlio coutiol of France, were declared, by British orders in 



1807.] ADMINISTRATION. 247 

council, dated in May, 1806, to be in a state of blockade, 
aitliough not invested with a British fleet, and American 
vessels, attempting to enter those ports, were also captured 
and condemned. 

39. France and her allies suffered, as well as the United 
States, from these transgressions of the laws of nations. 
Her vengeance fbll, not so much upon the belligerent in- 
flicting- the injury, as upon the neutral enduring without 
resentmg and repelling it By a decree, issued at Berlin, 
in November, 1800, the French emperor declared tlie 
British islands in a state of blockade, and of course au- 
thorized tlie capture of all neutral vessels attempting to 
trade with tliose islands. From these measures of boUi 
nations, tiie commerce of the United States severely 
suffered, and tlieir merchants loudly demanded of tlie 
government redress and protection. 

40. In June, 1807, an event occurred, which for a time 
concentrated upon one of the rival nations the whole 
weiffht of popular indignation. The frigate Chesapeake, 
while near the coast of the United States, and unsus- 
picious of danger, was fired upon Irom tlie Leopard, a 
British ship of superior force ; tliree of her men were 
Killed and eighteen wounded. Being unprepared for action, 
she struck her colors, was then boarded by a detachment 
from the Leopard, her crew mustered, and four of tJieni 
forcibly carried off upon the pretence that they were 
British deserters. The truth, upon investigation, waa 
ascertained to be, th.at tiiree of them were citizens of the 
United States, had been impressed by the British, and had 
afterwards escaped from tiieir service. 

41. This insolent attack upon a national ship, — tins 
wanton exercise of a claim dero^atoiy to national honor, — 
aroused the spirit of tJie republic. The distinctions of 
party were forgotten, numerous meetings of the citizens 
were held, and all concurred in the expression of a deter- 
mination to support the government ot tlieir country in ita 
efforts to obtain, whether by negotiation or war, satisfaction 
for tliis insulting outrage. 

- 4^. Thepresident,by proclamation, proliibited all British 
ships of war from continuing in or entering the harbors of 
tlie United States. He sent instructions to the minister 
at London to demand satisfaction for the insult, and security 
against future aggression. He summoned congress to meet 
and decide what further measures should be adopted. The 
British government promptly disavowing the axit of ita 



218 JEFFERSOJN'S [180B 

officer, the hostile feehng-s wliich had been excited began 
to subside ; but delaying- to render satisfaction, and refusing 
to adopt adequate measures to prevent a continuance or 
ag-o-ression, they were not exting-uished nor appeased. 

43. Bonaparte having- declared his purpose of enforcing 
with rigor the Berlin decree ; the British government hav- 
ing solemnly asserted tlie right of search and impressment, 
anB having intimated their intention to adopt measures in 
retaliation of tlje French decree, the president recommend- 
ed to congress that the seamen, ships, and merchandise 
of the United States should be detained in port to preserve 
them from tlie dangers which threatened tliem on tlie 
ocean. A law laying an indefinite embargo was in conse- 
quence enacted. A hope to coerce the belligerent powers 
to return to the observance of the laws of nations, by 
oepriving them of tlie benefits derived from the trade of 
America, was doubtless a concurring motive for passing 
the law. 

44. A few days only had elapsed, when information was 
received, that Great Britain had pronibited neutrals, except 
upon the degrading condition of paying a tax or tribute to 
her, from trading with France or her allies, comprising 
nearly every maritime nation of Europe. This was fof 
_owecl, in a i'ew weeks, by a decree issued by Bonaparte, 
at Milan, declaring that eveiy neutral vessel, which should 
submit to be visited by a British ship, or to pay the tribute 
demanded, should be confiscated, if afterAvards found m 
nis ports, or taken by his cruisers. Thus, at the date of 
the embargo, v/ere orders and decrees in existence render- 
ing liable to capture almost every American vessel sailing 
on the ocean. 

45. In the New England states, the embargo, with- 
holding the merchant from a career in which he Tiad been 
highly prosperous, and in which he imagined that he might 
still be favored of fortune, occasioned discontent and 
clamor. The federalists, more numerous there tlian in 
any other part of the union, pronounced it a measure un- 
wise and oppressive. These representations, and the real 
and severe distress which the people endured, produced a 
rapid change in their political opinions. In a short time, 
a nuyority became feaeralists, and opposed witli zeal all 
the measures of the government. 

4fi J n the fall of 1^08, a new election of chief magistrate 
took place. Mr. Jefferson, believnig that no person should 
/lold that office more than eight years, and dcsiroua rf 



1808.] ADMITS ISTRATlON 1349 

confirming tlie example of Wasliinfrton, had previously an- 
nounced ills intention to retire to private life. James Madi- 
son was elected president and George Clinton vice-presi- 
dent. 

47. In Marcli, 1809, congress repealed tlie embargo, 
and substituted a law proliibiting all intercourse with 
France and Great Britain. Bonaparte, in retaliation, 
issued a decree, at Rambouillet, directing- that all Ameri- 
can vessels, which vi^ere then in the ports of France, or 
mio;ht afterwards enter, should be seized and conliscated. 

48. In the non-intercourse lav/, a provision was inserted, 
that if either nation should revoke her hostile edicts, and 
the president should announce tJjat fact by proclamation, 
then the law should cease to be in force in regard to the 
nation so revoking. In April, Mr. Ersldnc, fiie Britisii 
minister at Washingtoii, engaged, on tlie part of his govern- 
ment, that the orders in council, so far as they atiected 
the IJnited States, should be withdrawn on tlie lOtli of 
June ; and the president immediately issued the procla- 
mation prescribed in tiie law. 

49. This arrangement tlie British ministry refused to 
Tatify, declaring that Mr. Erskiiie had no authority to make 
A. Kecalling him, they appointed Mr. Jackson his suc- 
cessor. In a correspondence between this gentleman and 
tlie secretary of state, tJie former insinuated tliat tiie 
American government knew that Mr. Erskine was not 
autiiorized to make tlie arrangement, and knew of course 
Jiat it would not be binding on Great Britain. Tliis 
insinuation was distinctly denied by the secretary, but 
was subsequently repeated, in an oifensive manner, oy Mr- 
Jackson. He v/as immediately informed, tliat, on account 
of his indecorous conduct, no otlier communications from 
him would be received. He was shortly afterwards re- 
called by his government. 

50. 1 he non-intercourse law expired in May, 1810,'when 
a proposition was made equally to both belligerents, that 
if either would revoke its hostile edicts, that law should 
be revived and enforced against tiie other. In August, 
Bonaparte, by his minister of state, assured Mr. Arm- 
strong^, the American envoy to France, tliat the Berlin 
and Milan decrees were revoked, the revocation to take 
effect on the first day of November ensuing. Confiduig 
in this assurance, the president, on the second day of 
November, issued his proclamation, declaring that all 
intercourse witli Great Britain was prohibited, and tliat 
an unrestrained couiinerce with France v.as allowed. 



l^.n') MADISON'S [isa 

51. Great Britain having expressed a willino-ness to 
repeal her orders whenever France should repeal her de- 
crees, she was now called upon, by tlic American envoy, 
to fulfil her engagement. Sne objected, that tlie French 
decrees could not be considered as repealed, a letter from 
the minister of state not being, for that purpose, a docu- 
ment of sufficient authority. In answer to this objection, 
proof Avas presented that the French admiralty couils 
considered them repealed, and that no American vessel, 
although many had entered the ports of France, had been 
subjected to their provisions. Great Britain, however, 
still persisted to enforce her orders. 

52. For this purpose, she had stationed ships of war 
before the principal harbors of the United States. All 
American merchantmen, departing or returning, were 
boarded, searched, and many of them sent to British ports, 
as legal prizes. Impressments too were frequent, and the 
British officers, entertaining exalted ideas of their naval 
streng-th, and holding in contempt the republican flag, 
exhibited, on all occasions, an extreme insolence of be- 
havior, which nations as well as individuals expose them- 
selves to incur, by long and patient endurance of insult and 
aggression. 

.5:?. In one instance, however, their insolence was de- 
servedly punished. Commodore Rogers, sailing in the 
frigate President, met, in the evening, a vessel on the 
coast of Virginia- He hailed, but instead of receivinof an 
answer, was hailed in turn, and a shot was fired which 
struck the mainmast of the President. The fire was 
.nstantly returned by the commodore, and continued for a 
few minutes, when, finding his antagonist was of inferior 
force, and that her guns were almost silenced, he desisted. 
On hailinof again,' an answer was given, that tlie ship was 
the British sloop &f war Little Belt, of J 8 ^uns. Thirty- 
two of her men were killed and wounded, and the sliip 
was much disabled. 

.54. Mr. Foster, successor to Mr. Jackson, arrived at 
Washington in the summer of J 811, and proposed terms 
of reparation for the attack on the Chesapeake. These 
were a formal disavowal of the act, restoration to the 
frigate of the surviving sailors taken from it, a pecuniary 
provision for those who were wounded, and for the fami- 
lies of those who were killed. These terms were ac- 
cepted by the president. 

55. But the Britisli envoy could give no assurance thai 



iSJl.l ADMINISTRATION. 251 

his government was disposed to make a satisfactory 
arrangement of the subject of impressment, or to re pea. 
the orders in council. ' These orders, on tlie contrary 
continued to be enforced with rigor ; and on the restoration 
of a free commerce with France, a large number of Ameri- 
can vessels, laden wth rich cargoes, and destined to her 
ports, fell into the' power of Brftish cruisers. Such was 
now the state of affairs, that the United States suffered 
tl^te evils of war, while Great Britain enjoyed the advan- 
tages. Her cruisers, since 1803, had captured nine 
hundred American vessels. 

56. The patience of the nation was exhausted. Presi- 
dent Madison, early in November, 1811, called congress 
together, laid before them tlie state of foreign relations, 
and recommended tliat the republic should be placed in an 
attitude to maintain, by force, its wounded honor ana 
essential interests. The representatives of the people, 
whose sentiments and feelings they expressed, determined 
to act in accordance with the views ot the president. 

57. Laws v/ere enacted providing for the increase of 
the regular army to ej5,000 men; for tiie augmentation of 
the n8.val establishment ; empoAvering the president to 
accept of the services of volunteers, to inake a detach- 
ment from the militia, and to borrow eleven millions of 
dollars. It was the expectation of many that Great 
Britain, witnessing these serious preparations, would re^ 
cede from the stand she had taken. 

58. Events, however, occurred, Avhile congress were in 
session, which considerably diminished this expectation. 
For several years, the Indian tribes residing near the 
remote lakes and the sources of the Mississippi, had dis- 
played sy^nj)toms of hostility, murdering a number of 
whites and robbing others of their propertv. In the fall 
of 1811, general Harrison, with a small force, was senc 
into their territories, instructed to negotiate if possible, 
but to fight if necessarv. On tlie 6th of November, he 
ai-rived at Tippecanoe, tiieir principal town, where he was 
met by Indian messengers, with whom an agreement was 
made, that hostilities sliould not take place before the next 
morning, and that then an amicable conference should 
be held. 

59- Just before daybreak, the savages, in violation of 
their engagement, made a sudden and furious attack upon 
tiie troops'in their encampment. Nothing but the pre- 
caution of sleeping in order of battle, ©n Uieir arms, saved 



?m MADISON^ [1812. 

them from total defeat. A dreadful slaujrhtcr was made • 
bat tlie savai^es werg finally repulsed, dispersed, and their 
town laid waste. A stronj:^ belief was entertained, founded 
upon credible testimony, that they had been incited to 
hostility by British ajrents stationed among- them. 

00. in February, 18J2, John Henry, who had once re- 
aided in Canada, communicated to the president the fact^ 
that in 1809, he had been employed by the governor of 
tliat province, upon a secret mission to Boston, the 
metropolis of the New Encrland states ; and that he was 
instructed to confer with the disaffected, upon the subiecf 
of a separation of those states from the union, and tneir 
forming' a political connection with Great Britain. He 
exhibited ciociiments in support of his disclosures, which 
he was led to make, b^ the neglect of his employer to re- 
ward- him for his services. It did not appear that he had 
eucceeded in corrupting' the fidelity of any individual ; but 
the attempt, in a time of peace, and in the midst of the 
most amicable professions, not only preserved in full force 
but increased tne previous irritation. 

61. Congress continued to be employed until the 20th 
of May, in making- preparations for war, still cherishing 
the hope that a change of policy in Europe would render 
unnecessary an appeal to arms. On that day, the Hornet 
arrived from Ijondon, bringing information that no pros- 
pect existed of a favorable change. On the first of June, 
the president sent a message to congress, recounting the 
wrongs received from Great Britain, and submitting the 
question whether the United States should continue to 
endure them or resort to war. 

(52. The message was considered with closed doora. 
On the iSth, an act was passed declaring war against 
Gveat Britain. The measure Avas decidedly condemned 
by a considerable portion of the citizens, among whom 
were many honest and able men. Exercising the undoubted 
privilege of ti-eemen, they examined, with the severest 
tcrutmy, the measures and motives of the administration. 
They asserted that the war w***? unnecessary, partial, and 
unwise ; that it was unnecessary, because, in their opinion, 
a satisfactory adjustment of all disputes might have been 
obtained by further negotiation ; that it was partial, because 
France had given greater provocation, in proportion to her 
means of annoyance, than Great Britain; that it was un- 
wise, because tlie nation was not prepared for war ; be- 
cause, by declaring it against almost the only remaining eu- 



1812.1 ADxMINlSTRATiON. 2.ir'> 

emy of France, the United States indirectly but pov/erfully 
assisted Bonaparte in his desig-n of nnivcrsal conquest; 
and because the expenses and sufferings it must unavoid- 
ably occasion, would more than counterbalance all the 
advantajTcs sought to be obtained. And many, passing 
the limits of candid and temperate discussion, indidgod in 
a virulence of invective of which no government should 
be the object that is not manifestly corrupt 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1812. 

The people of the United States remembered, with 
pnde, tiie patriotism and bravery exhibited by their arm.y 
m the revolutionary war. A long period of peace and pros- 
perity had increased their confidence in their own strength ; 
and the belief was generally entertained, that victory ovei 
the same foe would now be so much the more certainly 
nnd easily gained, as the nati<!*n was more rich and popu- 
lous. They did not reflect, that peace had impaired the 
military energies of the republic, while their enemy, by 
constant exercise in arms, had acquired, not only additiona/ 
strength, but greater skill to use and apply it. 

2. From the veteran officers, who had acquired fame in 
the former conflict, a selection was made to fill the prin- 
cipal posts in the new army. Henry Dearborn, of Massa 
chusetts, was appointed major-general and commander-in- 
chief. He was at the battle of Bunker's hill. In the ex- 
pedition against Quebec, he served as a captain under Ar- 
nold. He distinguished himself on these and other occa- 
sions ; and at the close of the war bore the commission of 
colonel. He held, for a long time, the ofTice of secretary 
of war, and discharged its duties with exemplary industry 
and skill. Thomas Pinkney, of South Carolina, was also 
appointed major-rreneral. Among the brigadiers were 
Wilkinson, HiiU, llampton, and Bloomfield. 

3. At the time of the declaration of war, general Hull 
^vas also governor of the Michigan territory, of wliich 
Detroit is the capital. On the 12th of July, with two 
thousand regulars and volunteers, he crossed the river di- 
viding the United States from Canada. On the same day, 
ho addressed a proclamation to the Canadians, tenderuig' 

22 



mi MADISON'S [1812. 

them tlie blessings of civil and religious liberty, and assur- 
jno- tliem, in a lofty tone, "that his force was sufficient 
to break down all opposition," and yet was but tlie van- 
guard of one much greater. It appeared to be his purpose 
to attack Maiden, and thence proceed to Montreal. 

4. Had t?ie attack been instantly made, success would 
Jiave been hisfhly probable. A month was wasted in ruin- 
ous delay. Distrust and contempt expelled confidence and 
attacliment from the breasts of tlie Canadians. The ar- 
dor of the troops began to cool. Maiden was reinforced ; 
and at tliis critical moment, information was received that 
Mackinaw, an American post above Detroit, had surren- 
dered to a large body of British and Indians, who were 
rushing down the river in numbers sufficient to overwhelm 
the American forces. Panic struck, general Hull has- 
tened back to Detroit. 

5. General Brock, the commander at Maiden, pursued 
him, with a force superior in number, but composed of 
militia and Indians. On the 14th of August, he erected 
batteries opposite Detroit. The next day, he began a can- 
nonade upon the American fortihcations, which Avas re- 
turned with precision and effect. On the IGth, the ene- 
my crossed the river, taking post about three miles above 
the city. Meeting with no resistance, and hearing that 
some of the American troops were absent, general Brock 
resolved to march directly forward and assault the fort. 

G. The troops, cool and undaunted, awaited in good 
order the approach of the enemy, anticipating an easy vic- 
tory. To the astonishment of all, general Hull forbade the 
artillery to fire, and hung out a white flag in token of a 
Avish to capitulate. A correspondence between the two 
generals was immediately opened, which ended in the 
surrender of the army and of the territory of Michigan. 

7. It is impossible to describe the indignation of the 
soldiers and citizens, when they saw themselves delivered, 
by the authority of one man, into the power of an enemy 
Avhom they supposed they migiit easily have conquered. 
Many believed him either a traitor or coward. An event 
so disgracefid, occurring in a quarter where success was 
confidently anticipated, caused throughout the union the 
greatest mortification and amazement. Stung by disap- 
pointment, all united in censuring general Hull. His 
greatest, perhaps his only fault, was want of dec ision and 
energy. 

8. "^The people of Ohio and Kentucky were alarmed 



181^] ADMINISTRATION. 2;)5 

Nearly ten tliousand citizens made a tender of tlicir ser- 
vices, and a part of them, placed under the command of 
general William H. Harrison, inaiched towards the terri- 
tory of Michigan. But great and numerous were the 
difficulties encountered ; the volunteers were imwilling to 
submit to the wholesome restraints of discipline ; and 
winter arrived before an}^ important undertaking could be 
accomplished. Several incursions were made into the 
country of the savages, v^iio, instigated by British agents, 
and by a celebrated Indian prophet, and commanded by 
Tecumseh, a gallant warrior, had become almost univer- 
sally hostile. 

9, For the purpose of invading Canada in another qiiar- 
ter, an army of regtdars and militia were assembled on 
the northern frontier of New York. It was far less nu- 
merous than the government had anticipated. So happy 
was the condition of even the poorest class of x'Vmerican 
citizens, that but few could be induced to en.ist as soldiers. 
And in some of tlie states tlie plausible doctrine was main- 
tained, that the officers of the general government have 
no power over the militia, until called into service and 
consigned to their authority, by the state executive, and 
that even then they cannot be compelled to march beyond 
tiie boundary of the republic. Several governors actually 
withheld their militia, when called for^by the president, 
and thus dhninished the amount of one species of force 
upon which the general government had relied. 

10. General Van Rensselaer, of the New York militia, 
being the senior officer on that frontier, had the command 
of these troops, which were called tlie army of the centre. 
His head-quarters were at Levvistown,on tlie river Niagara, 
and on the opposite side was Queenstown, a fortified Brit- 
ish post. The militia displaying great eagerness to be led 
:igainst the enemy, the general determined to cross over 
to Queenstown. The first attempt was defeated by tem- 
pestuous weather. On the I3th of October, a party, led 
by colonel Van Rensselaer, effected a landing, althouofh 
opposed by a British force stationed on the bank. The 
colonel was severely wounded, but the troops, under cap- 
tains Ogilvie and Wool, advanced to storm the fort. They 
gained possession, but, at the moment of success, general 
Brock arrived, from a neighboring post, with a reinforce- 
ment of six hundred men. These, although tl?e most nu- 
merous, were gallantly driven back by the American troop$. 
In attempting to rallv them, general Brock was killed. 



2G^; MADISON'S \JSV.L 

11. GenOrnl Van Rensselaer, who had previously crossed 
over, now returned to hasten the embarkation ol^ the rear 
division. Those who had lately eliown such eagernes? to 
meet the enemy, now utterly refused to pass beyond the 
national boundary. He entreated and remonstrated, but 
in vain. Meanwhile the enemy, having- received another 
reinforcement, advanced to attack the Americans in the 
fort. A desperate and bloody conflict ensued, of Avhich 
the nnht.ia were calm spectators. In the end, the British 
were completely victorious. Of one theusand men, who 
crossed into Canada, but few effected their escape. 

]'2 Soon after, o-eneral Van Rensselaer retired from the 
service, and was succeeded by general Alexander Smyth, 
of Virginia. In a turgid address to the "Men of Ne^v 
York," he announced that, in a i'ew days, he should plant 
the American standard in Canada, and invited them to 
share in the danger and glory of the enterprise. His force 
was increased, by those v/ho obeyed his call, to 4500 men. 
Tiie morning of the 98th of November was assigned as 
the time for crossing. So tardy Avere the movements of 
the troops, that until afternoon, the first division was not 
ready to lenve the American shore. The enemy appeared 
in force on the opposite bank ; a council of officers decided 
that it was inexpedient at that time to cross; and the 
troops were ordered to debark. They were disappointed 
and dissatisfied; but their clamor was appeased by the 
assurance that another attempt would speedily be made. 

13. The next day, tliey received orders to be in readi- 
ness to embark on the first of December. But their first 
disappointment had sensibly damped their ardor. At the 
appointed hour, the boats were not ready to move ; and 
when ready, but 1500 men Avere found willing to cross. 
A council of war decided unanimously against proceeding, 
and again the troops were ordered to debark. The plan 
of invading Canada was abandoned for the season. The 
blame of tnese failures was attributed, by the soldiers, to 
their commander; and so highly were thev exasperated, 
that, for several days, his life was in danger from their fury. 

14. The army of the north, whicH was under the 
immediate command of general Dearborn, was stationed 
at Greenbush, near Albany, and at Plattsburgh, on lake 
Champlain. From the latter post, a detachment marched 
a short distance into Canada, surprised a small body of 
British and Indians, and destroyed a considerable quantity 
of public, stores. Other movements were anxiously ex- 



181 2. J ADMINISTRATlOiN. 257 

pected by the people ; but after tlie misfortunes at Detroit 
and Niagara, the general deemed it inexpedient to engage 
in any important enterprise. 

\5. Thus ended the campaign of 181'2. Altlioagh, on 
many occasions, extraordmary gallantry had been dis- 
played, yet nothing was accomplished, and the losses 
sustained Avere numerous and heavy. Those who approved 
of the declaration of war felt disappointed, mortified, and 
dejected. They attributed most of the misfortunes of 
the country to the conduct of the federalists, wiiom they 
accused of endeavoring to prevent enlistments into the 
army, and of maintainhig the most pernicious doctrines in 
relation to the militia. The federalists, on the other hand, 
attributed tiiese repeated failures to the imbecility of the 
administration, and to the unwise selection of military 
officers. Tliey assumed a bolder tone of censure, and 
evinced a more determined spirit of opposition. 

16. But while, on land, defeat and disgrace attended 
tlie arms of the republic, on the ocean, where the injuries 
which led to the war had been inflicted, they gained a rich 
harvest of victory and glory. Upon the declaration of 
war, the American officers and seamen glowed with ardor 
to avenge the sufferings of their imp-essed fellow citizens, 
and to vindicate tiie honor of the republican flag. Those 
ships of war, vv'hich were ready for sea, immediately sailed 
in search of the enemy. 

17. On the 19th of August, captain Hull, who com- 
manded the Constitution of forty-four guns, descried a 
British frigate. His crew, giving three ciieers, requested 
to be placed alongside of their antagonist. For three 
quarters of an hour, the latter endeavored, by skilful 
manceuvering, to obtain the advantage of position. De- 
feated in this, she advanced towards the Constitution, 
firing broadsides at Uitervals. When she had approached 
witliin half pistol shot, a tremendous cannonade burst 
upon her from the American frigate, in thirty minutes, 
every mast and nearly every spar being shot away, she 
struck her flag. 

18. She was found to be the Guerriere of thirty-eight 
guns, commanded by captain Dacres. Of her crew, fifty 
were killed and sixty-four wounded. She had received 
so much injury, that it: was thought to be impossible to get 
her into port, and she was burned. The injury sustained 
by the Constitution was slight ; of her crew, seven were 
killed and seven wounded. Althouffh she carried a few 

22* 



HIS MAUrSOxN'S [18ia. 

more guns tlian her antao-onist, yet tlie immense disparity 
of effect clearly demonstrated the superior skill of the 
American seamen. Captain Hull, on his return to the 
United States, was welcom.ed with enthusiasm, by his 
OTateful and admirin*^ countrymen, who conferred upon 
nim those honors and distinctions most dear to the paLnot 
and Iiero. 

19. But this was the first only of a series of naval vic- 
tories. On the 18th of October, captain Jones, in the 
Wasp, of eiirhteen <?uns, captured the Frolic, of twenty 
two, after a^aloody conflict of three quarters of an lion 
In this action, the Americans obtained a victory over a 
force decidedly superior. On their part, but eight were 
Idlled and wounded ; on that of the enemy, about eio-hty * 
On the 25th, the frij^ate United States, commanded by 
captain Decatur, encountered and captured tiie British 
frig-ate Macedonian. Tiio former carried a few n-uns the 
most, but the disparity of loss was astonisliingly o-reat. 
On the part of the enemy, a hundred and four were killed 
and wounded ; on that of the Americans, but eleven ! The 
Wasp was unfortunately captured soon after her victory, 
by a British ship of the line ; tlie United States brought 
her prize safely to New York. 

20. A fourth naval battle was fought, and a fourth 
victory gained, on the 29th of December. On that day 
the Constitution, of forty-four guns, then commanded by 
captain Bainbridge, captured the British frigate Java, of 
thn-ty-eigiit. The combat continued more than three 
iiours. The Java was reduced to a wreck; of her crew 
one hundred and sixty-one were killed and wounded; of 
that of the Constitution, thirty-four. 

21. These successive victories were peculiarly gratify- 
mg to the nation ;*they were gained, in tiie midst of disas- 
ters on land, and by that class of citizens whose rights had 
oeen violated ; they were gained over a people claiming- 
to be lords of the sea, Avhom long and continued succe-^ 
nad rendered haughty and insolent, and who had con- 
fidently boasted that the whole American navy would 
>soon be swept from the ocean. 

22. Many British merchantmen were likewise captured 
oy the American navy; and privateers, issuing from 
almost every port, and 'many of them bearing flags in- 
scribed " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," were remark- 
ably successful. The number of prizes made durm^ the 
first seven montlis of the war, exceeded five hundretu 



1813.1 ADMINISTRATION. y.7J 

2'4. In tlie autumn of this year, the quadrennial period 
fl-)r tliG election of president and vice-president af^ain re- 
ciirred. Tlie candidates for president v/ere, tlie incum- 
bent, James IMadison of Virginivi, and De Witt Clinton "f 
New York; for vice-president, Elbridge Gerry, of Massa- 
chusetts, and .Tared Intrersoll, of Pennsylvanin. Those 
who v»^ere opposed to the war, supported Mr. Clinton and 
Mr. Inj^crsoll ; and they Avere joined by many who believed 
that, should tlie former be elected president, and should 
he find it impracticable to make an honorable peace, he 
would call forth the resources, and direct the arms of the 
republic, with more decision and energy. Great exertions 
were made by the partisans of the opposing candidates, and 
the passions of the people, especially in the middle and 
northern states, were highly excited. Of the electoral 
votes given, Mr. JVIadison received one hundred and twen- 
ty-eight and ^Ir. Gerry one hundred and thirty-one, and 
were elected. Mr. Clinton received eightv-nine, and 
Mr. IngersoU eighty-six. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 

At the commencement of the session of congress, held 
m the autumn of Jbl2, the president, in his message, state<! 
that, immediately atler the declaration of war, he commu- 
nicated to the British government the terms on wliich ita 
progress might be arrested : that these terms were, the' 
repeal of the orders in council, the discharge of American 
seamen, and tlie abandonment of the practice of impress- 
ment ;_ and that the ministry had declined to accede to 
his offers. 

2. He also stated that, at an early period of the war, he 
had received official information of the repeal of the orders 
In council ; that two propositions for an armistice had been 
made to him, both of which he had rejected, as they could 
not have been accepted without conceding to Great Britain 
the riglit of impressment. 

3. The rejection of these propositions was approved by 
the national representatives, who, fur from abandoning the 
wround they had taken, adopted more vigorous nieasurea 
for tlie orosecution of the war The Dounty and the 



260 MADISON'S [1813. 

wao-es of soldiers, were increased. The president waa 
autliorized to raise twenty additional regiments of infantry, 
to issue treasury notes, and to borrow money. Provision 
was also made for building- four ships of the line, six 
frigates, and as many vessels of war on the great lakes as 
the public service might require. 

4. So great was the desire of the citizens of the western 
country to regain possession of tlie territory of Michigan, 
tliat, in order to effect it, general Harrison resolved to 
undertake a winter campaign. General Winchester, with 
a portion of the western army, proceeded in advance to 
Frenchtown, a village on the river Raisin, not far from 
Detroit. A British party stationed in the village was 
attacked, routed, and entirely dispersed. 

5. The Americans encamped near the field of battle, 
a part of them being protected by close garden pickets. 
Although near an enemy's post, but little precaution was 
taken to prevent a surprise. Early in the morning of the 
22d of January, they were attacked by a large force of 
i3ritish and Indians, the former commanded by colonel 
Proctor, the latter by the chiefs Roundhead and Splitlog. 
The troops in the open field were thrown into disorder. 
General Winchester and other officers made an ineflfec- 
tual attempt to rally them. They fled, but, ^vhile attempt- 
ing to escape, were mostly killed bv the Indians. The 
general and colonel Lewis were macfe prisoners. 

6. The troops behind the pickets maintained the contest 
with undaunted bravery. At length colonel Proctor assured 
general Winchester, that if the^ remainder of the Ameri- 
cans would immediately surrender, they should be pro- 
tected from massacre ; but otherwise he would set fire to 
the village, and would not be responsible for the conduct 
of the savages. Intimidated by this threat, general Win- 
chester sent an order to tlie troops to surrender, which 
tliey obeyed. 

7. Colonel Proctor, leaving the wounded without a 
guard, marched back immediately to Maiden. The 
Indians accompanied them a few miles, but returned early 
the next morning. Deeds of horror followed. The 
wounded officers were dragged from the houses, killed 
and scalped m the streets. The buildings were set on fire. 
Some who attempted to escape were forced back into the 
flames. Others were put to death by the tomahawk, and 
left shockingly mangled in the highway. The infamy of 
tills butchery should not fall upon the perpetrators alone. It 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. aoi 

m'jst rest aqually upon tliose who instigated them to hos- 
tility, by whose side they fought, ^v'ho were able, and were 
bound Dy a solemn engagement, to restrain them. i 

8. The battle and massacre at Frenchtown clothed 
Kentucky and Ohio in mourning. Other volunteerw, 
indignant at the treachory and cruelty of their foes, has- 
tene'd to the aid of Harrison. He marched to the rapid.s 
of Miami, where he erected a fort, which he called fort 
Meigs, in honor of the governor of Ohio. On the first of 
May, it was invested by a large number of Indians, and 
by a party of British troops from Maiden, the whole com 
nianded by colonel Proctor. 

9. Five days afterwards, general Clay, at the head of 
1200 Kentuckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. 
Dividing his force into several parties, and making an im- 
petuous onset, he drove the besiegers from their works. 
His troops, supposinn- the victory complete, and disregard- 
ing the orders of their commander, dispersed into the 
woods. The enemy, returning from their flight, obtained an 
easy victory. Of the Americans, two or three hundred 
escaped into the fort ; about three hundred were killed or 
made prisoners ; the remainder fled to the nearest settle- 
\nents. The enemy sustained considerable loss. 

10. The fort continued to be defended with bravery and 
ekill. The Indians, unaccustomed to sieges, became 
■weary and discontented. On the 8th of May, notwith- 
standing the entreaties of their chief, Tecumseh, they 
deserted their allies. On the 9th, the enemy, despan-ing 
of success, made a precipitate retreat. General Harrison, 
leaving general Clay in command, returned to Ohio for 
reinforcements ; but in tjiis quarter active operations were 
not resumed until a squadron had been built and prepared 
for action on lake Erie. 

11. At Sacketfs Harbor, on the northern frontier a 
body of troops had been i.osembled under the command of 
p^eneral Dearborn, and great exertions were made, by 
commodore Cliauncey, to^build and equip a squadron, on 
lake Ontario, sufficiently powerful to contend with that 
of the enemy. By the 25th of April, the naval prepara- 
tions Avere so far completed that the general, and 1700 
troops, were conveyed across the lake to the attack of 
York, the capital of' Upper Canada. 

12. On the 27th, an advanced party, led by brigadier- 
g-eneral Pike, who was born in a camp, and bred a soldier 
from his birth, landed, although opposed, at tlie water's 



3(?^ MADISON'S [1813. 

e(lo;e, by a superior force. After a short but severe con- 
flict, the enemy were driven to their fortifications. The 
rest of tiie troops having- landed, the whole party pressed 
forward, carried tiie first battery by assault, and were 
rnoving towards the main works, when the enemy's mag-a- 
zine blew up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling' upon the 
advancing- troops immense quantities of stone and timber. 

13. Numbers were killed, the gallant Pike received a 
mortal wound; the troops halted for a moment, but, re- 
covering from the shock, ag-uin pressed forwa^fd and soon 

fained possession of the town. Of the British troops, one 
undred were killed, nearly three hundred were wounded, 
and the same number made prisoners. Of the Americans, 
three hundred and twenty were killed and wounded, and 
nearly all of tltem by the explosion of the magazine. The 
flag which waved over the fort was carried to the dying- 
Pike ; at his desire it was placed under his head, when, 
with the smile of triumph on his lips, he expired. 

14. The object of the expedition attained, the squadron 
and troops returned to Sackett's Harbor, whence, the 
wounded and prisoners being landed and other troops taken 
on board, it sailed to fort George, at the head of the lake. 
After a warm engagement, tlie enemy abandoned, and the 
Americans entered the fort. The fugitives retired to the 
heights, at the head of Burlington bay. On their retreat 
they were joined by a detachment from fort Erie and 
Chippeway. Two brigades, under generals Chandler and 
Winder, were despatched in pursuit. On the evening of 
the 5th of June, they encamped at Stony creek, in the 
vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their situation 
desperate, turned upon their pursuers and attacked them 
in the night. 

15. The Americans received them with coolness ; but, 
such was the darkness, that general Chandler, intending 
to place himself at the head of his artillery, threw him- 
self into the midst of a Britisli party. A few minutes 
afterwards, the same mistake was committed by genera. 
Winder. Satisfied with the capture of these officers, and 
a few other prisoners, the enemy made a precipitate re- 
treat. The American troops returned to fort George. 
This misfortune was soon followed by another. Lieuten- 
ant-colonel Boerstler, having been sent with 500 men, to 
disperse a body of the enemy collected at the Beaver Dams, 
was surrounded, and the whole detachment made prisoners. 

16. While the greater part of the American army was 



1813.] ADMINISTRATION. 263 

thus employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon 
the important post of Sackett's Harbor. On the 27th of 
May, their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm 
guns instantly assembledthe citizens of the neig-hborhood. 
General Brown, of the New York militia, commanded in 
chief, his whole force amounting to about one thousand _ 
men. By his orders, a slight breastwork was hastily 
thrown up, at tho only place where the enemy could land. 
Behind this, he placed the militia, the regulars under 
colonel Backus forming a second line. 

17. On the morning of the 2!)th, one thousand British 
troops landed from the squadron. They advanced toward 
the breastwork. The militia, seized with a sudden panic, 

^ fled in confusion. Colonel Mills, in a vam attempt to 
' rally them, was mortally wounded. The regulars, after a 
spirited resistance, were compelled to retire toward the 
town, but in their retreat they took possession of the houses 
on the road. From these coverts they poured so destruc- • 
tive a fire upon the British column, thai it halted and fell . 
back. General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this 
slight check into a precipitate flight. Collecting the panic 
Gtrnck militia, he directed their course along a road, which 
while it led from the village, appeared to the British com 
mander to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving therr 
marching with great speed, he supposed that their object 
was to cut olf liis retreat, and re-embarked so hastily as 
to leave behind most of his wounded. General Brown, 
in recompense for his semces, was appointed a brigadier 
in the regular army. 

18. Meanwhile, upon the sea coast, a distressmg and 
predatory war was carried on, by large detachments from 
tlie powerful navy of Great Britain. One squadron, sta- 
tioned in Delaware bay, captured and burned every mer- 
chant vessel which came within its reach. The inhabitants 
of Lowiston, in the state of Delaware, having refused to 
sell provisions to the enemy, the village was bombarded, 
and several attempts were made to land, but they were 
defeated by the militia. 

19. Early in the spring, another and more powerful 
squadron arrived in Chesapeake bay. It was commanded 
by admiral Cockburn, who, departing from the usual modes 
of honorable warfare, directed his efforts principally against 
unoffending citizens and peaceful villages. The 'farm- 
houses and gentlemen's seats near the shore were plun- 
dered, and the cattle driven away or wantonly slaughtered. 



2G4 MADISON'S [18J3 

Frenchtown, Havre de Grace, Fredericktown, and George 
town v.-ere sacked and burned. Norfolk was saved from 
a similar fate, by the determined bravciy of a small force 
stationed on Craney Island, in the harbor. A furious 
attack was made upon Hampton, which, notwithstanding 
tlie Efallant resistance of its small g-arrison, was captured, 
and the unfortunate inhabitants suffered all wliich a brutal 
and unrestrained soldiery could inflict. 

20. The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre 
of saniruinar}'- conflicts, m which the victors gained un- 
tarnished laurels. Captain Lawrence, in the sfoop of war 
Hornet, discovering-, in tlie neutral port of San Salvador, 
a British sloop of war of superior force, challenged her 
commander to meet him at sea. The challenge being 
declined, captain I^awrence blockaded the port until forced 
by a ship of the line to retire. 

'21. Soon after, on tiie 2:3d of February, the Hornet met 
the British brig Peacock, of about equal force. A fierce 
' combat ensued. In less than fifteen mmutes, the Peacock^ 
struck her colors, displaying, at the same time, a signal of* 
distress. The victors hastened to the relief of the van- 
quished, and the same strength which had been exerted to 
conquer was now exerted to save. Their efforts were 
but partially successful. She sunk before all her crew 
could be removed, carrying down nine British seamen and 
three brave and generous Americans. In the battle, the 
loss of the Hornet was but one Idlled and two wounded; 
that of the Peacock was never ascertained. 

22. On his return to the United States, captain Law- 
rence was promoted to the command of the frigate Chesa- 
peake, then in the harbor of Boston. For several weeks, 
Uie British frigate Shannon, of equal force, but having a 
selected crew, had been cruising before the port ; and cap- 
tain Brook, her commander, had announced his wish to 
meet, m single combat, an American frig-ate. Inflamed 
by this challenge, captain Lawrence, although his crew 
was just enlisted, and his officers were strangers to him 
and to each other, set sail, on the first of June, in pursuit 
of the Shannon. 

2-3. Towards evening of tlie same day, they met, and 
mstantly engaged, Avith unexampled fury. In a very few 
mmutes', and in quick succession, the sailing-master of the 
Chesapeake was killed, captain Lawrence and three lieu- 
tenants were severely wounded, her rigging was so cut 

CO pieces that she fell on board tlie Shannon her chest of 



J8i3.J ADiVnNiSTRATION. 2<)o 

arms blew up, captain Lawrence received a second and 
mortal wonncl ana was carried below ; at this instant, the 
position of the ships being favorable, captain ]5rook, at the 
nead of his marines, g-allantly boarded tlie Chesapeake, 
when, every officer who could take command bein^- killed 
or v/oanded, resistance ceased, and the American Hag was 
struck by the enemy. 

24. That fortune favored the Shannon cannot be doubt- 
ed. That the event would have been the same had fortune 
favored neither, is rendered probable by the astonisliinjr 
effect of her fire. This unexpected defeat impelled the 
Americans to seek for circumstances consolintr to their 
pride, and in the journals of the day, many such v.-crc 
stated to have preceded and attended the action. But 
nothing could allay their ^nef at the fall of the youthful 
and intrepid Lawrence. His previous victory and ma<r~ 
nanimous conduct had rendered him the favorite of the 
nation, and he was lamented with sorrow, deep, sincere 
and lastimr. When carried below, he was asked if tlie 
colors should, be struck. "No," lie replied, '-they shall 
wave while I live." When the fate o{ the ship was de- 
cided, his proud spirit was broken. He became delirious 
from excess of mental and bodily suffering-. Whenever 
able to speak, ho would exclaim, " Don't give up the ship I " 
an expression consecrated by his countrymen; and he 
uttered but few otiier words durino- the four days that he 
survived his defeat. 

25. This victory was not achieved without loss. Of 
tlie crew of the Shannon, twenty-four Avere killed and 
f;fly-six wounded. Of that of tiie Chesapeake, forty- 
eight were killed and nearly one hundred wounded. Great 
was the exultation of the enemy. Victories over the 
frigates of other nations were occurrences too common to 
excite emotion ; but the capture of an American frigate 
was considered a glorious epoch in the nava^ history of 
(jreat Britain. The honors and rewards bestowed upon 
captain Brook v/ere such as had never before been received 
but by the conqueror of a squadron. These demonstrations 
of triumph were inadvertent confessions of American su- 
periority ; and were.trj the vanquished themselves, sources 
of triumph an( consolation. 

2t). The nexi encounter at sea was between the Ameri- 
can brig Argils and the British brig Pelican. The latter 
was of superior force, and was victorious. Soon afler, 
Jhe American brig Enterprise, commanded' by lieutenant 



2GG MADISON'S [1813. 

Burrows, captured the British brig Boxer, commanded by 
captain BIyth. These vessels Avere of equal force, but 
the greater effect of the fire of the Enterprise furnished 
to the Americans anotlier proof of the superior skill of 
tlieir seamen. Both commanders were killed in the action, 
and wore buried, each by the other's side, in Portland. 

27. The events of the war a^ain call our attention to 
the northwestern frontier. While each nation was busily 
employed in equipping a squa,dron on lake Erie, general 
Clay remained inactive at fort Meigs. About the last of 
July, a large number of British and Indians appeared before 
the fort, hoping to entice the garrison to a general action 
in the field. After waiting a few days without succeeding, 
they decamped, and proceeded to fort Stephenson, on the 
river Sandusky. This fort was little more than a picket- 
ing surrounded by a ditch; and the garrison consisted of 
but 160 men, who were commanded by major Croghan, 
a youth of twenty-one. On the first of August, it was 
invested by 500 regulars and 800 Indians. 

28. After a cannonade, which continued two days, the 
enemy, in the evening, supposing a breach had been made 
advanced to assault the works. Anticipating this, major 
Crog-han had planted a six pounder, the only piece of can 
non in the fort, in a position to enfilade the ditch. It was 
loaded with grape-shot and slugs, and was discharged the 
instant the assailants arrived before it. The British com- 
mander and many of his men were killed, and many others 
severely wounded. The remainder, in haste and d.isorder, 
retreated to their former position, and at dawn of day 
retired to Maiden. The youthtul Croghan, for his valor 
and good conduct, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant- 
colonel. He and liis brave companions received the tlianks 

)f congress ; and to evince their respect for his virtues, the 
*adies of ChiUicothe presented to him an elegant sword. 

29. In the mean time, by the exertions of commodore 
Perry, an American squadron had been prepared for service 
on lake Erie. It consisted of nine small vessels, carry- 
ing m all fifty-four guns. A British squadron had also 
been built and equipped, under the superintendence of 
commodore Barclay. It consisted ol'six vessels, mounting 
sixty-three guns. 

30. Commodore Perry, immediately saiang, offered bat- 
tle to his adversary. On the tenth of September, the British 
commander, having the wind in his favor, left the harbor 
of Maiden to accept the offer. In a few hours, tiie v/ind 



1813.J ADMINISTRATION. 267 

shifted, giving the Americans the auvantag-e. Perry, 
forminof the line of battle, hoisted Ms f]o.g-, on which were 
inscribed the words of the dying Lawrence, "Don't give 
up the ship." Loud huzzas from all the vessels proclaimed 
the animation witli which this motto inspired their patri- 
otic crews. 

31. About noon, the firinfr commenced; but, the wind 
being light, the Lawrence, the commodore's flag-ship, was 
the only American vessel tliat couid, at first, engage in 
close action. For two hours, she contended alone witii 
two vessels, each neorly her equal in force. All but seven 
of her crew wei^e either killed or wounded, and she, by 
the damao-e she had received, was rendered wholly un- 
manageable. The wind springing up, captain Elliot was at 
length enabled to bring the Kiagara into action. To this 
ship commodore Perry, sailing in an open boat through 
the midst of the fire, transferred his flag. Again the com- 
bat rao-ed with undiminished fury. In a short time, one 
of the British vessels surrendered, and soon after another; 
and, the rest of the American squadron now joining in the 
action, the victory was rendered decisive and complete. 
At four o'clock,^ the brave and fortunate commander des- 
patched to general Harrison, at fort Meigs, this laconic 
epistle : " We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

32. Great was the joy which this brilliant victory oc- 
casioned throughout the union. That it was achieved 
over a superior force ; that it was the first ever gained 
over a squadron ; that it was entirely decisive ; that it 
opened the way to the recovery of all that had been lost 
by the defeat of general Hull, — were circumstances which 
threw every other victory into the sliade, and cast the 
brightest lustre upon the characters of the heroes who had 
gained it. At every place that he visited, the gallant 
Perry received the most flattering proofs of a nation's 
gratitude and love. 

33. As soon as general Harrison, who had been joined 
by governor Shelby witii a large body of Kentucky militia, 
received intelligence of this victory, he hastened to the 
lake, and was conveyed by the vessels to Maiden. The 
British commander, anticipating this movement, had aban- 
doned that place, which, on the 28th of September, was 
occupied, without opposition, by the American army. 

34. The enemy, passing Detroit in their retreat, ascend- 
ed the river Thames, to the Moravian villages. They 
were pursued by general Harrison, and, on the 0th of Octo 



2G8 xMADISOa'S [1813. 

ber, broayht to action. His force being qroatlv superior, a 
complete victory Avas easily and speedily gained. Six 
hundred, nearly the whole of the party, were made priso- 
ners ; Tccumsch, the celebrated Indian chief, was killed ; 
and all the posts that had been surrendered by general 
Hull were recovered from the enemy. 

35. Lea.vhig general Cass in command at Detroit, gen 
eral Harrison, with part of the regular force, again "em- 
.larked, on board the vessel?:, and, on the 24th, arrived at 
Balfalo, in New Vork, intending to join the American army 
on the iSiiagara frontier. But, a siifficient number of gen- 
eral officers having been assigned to that army, ha re- 
ceived permission to return to his family. 

3(). Previous to the events just related, general Dear- 
born, in consequence of severe indisposition, was with- 
drawn from active service, and general Wilkinson appoint- 
ed to command tlie army of the centre, which comprised 
about 70(K) men. Having received orders, from the secre- 
tary of war, to descend the St. Lawrence and attack Mon- 
treal, he directed the scattered detachments to assemble at 
Grenadier Iskind, on lake Ontario. Such were the diffi 
culties attending the concentration of the troops, and such 
perhaps t!ie want of vigor in the commander, that the 
llotilla, upon Avhich they embarked, did not get under way 
until the 5th of November. 

37. Their progress was impeded by parties which the 
enemy, at every convenient position, had stationed on the 
Canada shore. To disperse these, a body of troops, un- 
der the command of general Brown, was landed, and di- 
rected to march in adVance of the boats. At Chrystler's 
fields, on the lltli of November, a body of the enemy of 
eq'jai force, was encountered. In the battle which ensued, 
both fought with resolute bravery, and both claimed the 
victory. The loss of the Americans was greatest, but 
they drove the enemy from their position, and enabled the 
liotilla to pass unmolested. 

38. Tlie next day, it arrived at St. Regis. Attnis place, 
general Hampton, who comma ndeu the troops at Platts- 
burg, had been ordered to meet the main army, and no 
doubt had been entertained of his disposition and ability 
to comply with the order. But here general Wilkinson, 
to his surprise and mortification, was informed that the 
contemjjlated junction would nf)t take place. The project 
of attacking Alontreal was abandoni|^, and the army un- 
der Wilkinson, marching to French Mills, there encamped 
t'Dr the M'lnter 



1813.1 ADMINISTRATION. mj 

39. This abortive issue of Uie campaign occasioned 
murmurs throughout Vne nation. The causes which led 
to it have never been fully developed. The severest cen- 
sure fell upon general Armstrong, who was secretary of 
war, and upon general Hampton. The latter soon after 
resigned his commission in tlie armv, and general Izard 
was selected to command the post atl^lattsbiu-g. 

40. In the progress of our narrative, some events liave 
been passed over, which will now be related. In the 
early part of this year, the emperor of Russia offered his 
mediation to the two powers at war. On the part of the 
United States, the oiler was promptly accepted, and Messrs. 
Adams, Gallatin, and Bayard, were appointed commis- 
sioners to negotiate, at St.'Petersburg, a peace under the 
proffered mediation. 

41. On the 24th of May, congress was convened by 
proclamation of the president. Laws were enacted impos- 
ing a direct tax ot tln-ee millions of dollars; authorizing 
the collection of various internal duties ; providing for a 
'can of seven and a half miUion of dollars ; and prolubiting 
the merchant vessels of the United States from sailing 
under British licenses. Near the close of the session, a 
committee, appointed to inquire into the subject, made a 
long report upon the spirit and manner in which the war 
hacfbeen conducted by the enemy. Many proofs were pre- 
sented of shameful departures from the" rules of warfare 
observed by civilized nations, 

42. In September, commodore Chauncey made two 
cruises upon lake Ontario, and repeatedly offered battle to 
the enemy's squadron, Avinch was superior in force ; but 
sir James Yeo, the British commander, intimidated by the 
result of the battle on lake Erie, retired before him. On 
one occasion, however, in a running fight, his ships sus- 
tained considerable injury. 

43. In the same montli, captain llogers, Avho commanded 
the friga,te President, returned from a long cruise, having 
captured eleven merchantmen ; but he met no armed ves- 
sels, the capture of wliich could enhance his reputation. 
Captain Porter, in the Essex, rode triumphant in the Pa- 
cific ocean, annoying the trade of the enemy and protecting 
that of the republic. ' - 

44. The Indians at the southern extremity of the union 
Jiad imbibed the same hostile spirit as those at the north- 
western. They had been visited by Tecumseh, and, by 
liis eloquence, pei^uaded, tiiat the Great Spirit required 

23* 



'i7U MADIISON'S' [Ifcia 

them to unite and attem|)t the extirpation of the -wliites, 
and had promised them victory as the reward of their ex- 
ertions. In tlie fall of 181 '<J, a cruel war was carried on, 
Dy the Creeks and Seminoles, against the frontier inliabit- 
ants of Georgia. General Jackson, at tlio head of 2500 
volunteers from Tennessee, marched into the country of 
the Indians. Tlicy^ overawed by his presence, desiyted 
for a time from hostility : but, alter his return, tlieir ani- 
mosity burst forth witli increased and fatal violence. 

45. Dreading- their cruelty, about three hundred men, 
women, and chddren souglit safety in fort Mnnms, in the 
Tensaw settlement. Although frequent warnings of an 
mtended attack had been given them, yet at noonday, on 
tlie 30th of August, they were surprised by a party of six 
hundred Indians, Aviio with axes cut their way into the 
fort, and drove the people into the hoiises which it enclosed. 
To these tliev set fire. Many persons were burned, and 
many killed hy the tomahawk. Only seventeen escaped 
to can-y the horrid tidings to the neighboring stations. 

4(). 'rhe whites resolved on vengeance. Again general 
.! ackson, at tlie head of 3500 militia of Tennessee, marched 
into the southern wilderness. A detachment under general 
Coffee, eiicomitering, at Tallushatchie, a body of mdians, 
a sanguinary conflict ensued. The latter fought witli 
desperation, neither giving nor receiving quarter, until 
nearly everv warrior had perished. 

47. At 'ralladeo-a, another battle was fought, in which 
three hundred Indians perished. The rest of the party, 
exceeding seven hundred, fled. General Jackson's pro- 
visions being exhausted, he was unable to pursue them. 
While on his return to tlie settlements, to obtain a supply, 
his ti'oops became refractory and even mutinous. Nearly 
all returned to their homes ; but to tlie small number ^hnt 
remained were soon added a reinforcement of one thousand 
mounted volunteers. 

48. At the head of this f^rce, he marched to Emuckfaw, 
within a bend of tlie Tallapoosa, where a body of the 
enemy were pasted. To several skirmisiies succeeded a 
general battle, in which the whites were victorious, but 
sustained considerable loss. For the relief of the wounded, 
Jackson returned to fort Strother, where the volunteers 
were dischar^-ed. General White from East Tennessee, 
and general Floyd from Georgia, led separate expeditions 
against the Indians, and were victorious in every combat 



1813.J ADMINISTRATIOIN 271 

So enraged were the savages, that but few would accept 
of Quarter or seek safety in retreat. 

4^>. Yet still was the spirit of the Creeks unsubdued, 
and their faith in victory unshaken. With no httle sa- 
^racity and skill, they selected and fortified another position 
o!i the Tallapoosa, called by tlicmselves Tohopeka, and 
by the whites, llorsc-shoc Bend. Here nearly a thousand 
warriors, animated witii a fierce and determined resolution, 
were collected. Three thousand men, commanded by 
general Jackson, marched to attack this post. To prevent 
escape, a detachment, under general Coffee, encircled the 
Bena. The main body, kcepmg within it, advanced to the 
fortress. For a i'ew minutes, the opposing forces were 
engaged, muzzle to muzzle, at the port-holes. Soon the 
troops, leaping over, the walls, mingled Avitii the savages. 
The combat was furious and sanguinary. The Indians, 
fleeing at lengtli to the river, belield the troops on tlie 
opposite bank. Returning, they fought with increased 
fury and desperation, and continued to resist until night. 
Six hundred warriors were killed ; four only yielded them- 
selves prisoners; tiie remaining three hundred escaped. 
Of the whites, fiftv-five were killed, and one hundred and 
forty -six Avounded. 

50. It was expected tliat anotlier stand would be made, 
by the Indians, at a nlace called the Hickory-ground. 
General .Tackson marched thither in April. The principal 
chiefs came out to meet him, and among them Avas Wether- 
ford, a half blood, distinguished equally for his talents and 
cruelty. "I am in your power," said he ; "do with me 
what you please. I commanded at fort Munms. 1 have 
done the white people all tlie harm I could. 1 have fought 
them, and fought tlieni bravely. There was a time when 
I had a choice ; I have none now ; even hope is ended. 
Once I could animate my warriors ; but I cannot animate 
the dead. They can no longer hear my voice ; their bones 
are at Tallushatchie, Talladeg.i, Emuckfaw, and Tohopeka. 
While there was a chance of success, I never supplicated 
peace ; but my people are gone, and 1 now ask it for my 
n:ition and myself." Peace was concluded, and tlie brave 
general Jackson and his troops enjoyed an honorable but 
short repose. 



CHAPTER XXVIIL 
CAxMPAIGN OF 1814. 

COiXCLUSION OF THE WAR. 

Lv the whiter of 18] 3-1 4, the fifteenth congress iield a 
second session. To increase the number, and to add to 
the efficiency of the army, several laws were passed, by 
one of which the enormous bounty of one liundred and 
twenty-four dollars was otlcred to recruits. Tiie president 
was authorized to boiTOAv twenty-five millions of dollars, 
and to issue treasury notes to tl:e amount of five millions. 

2. Before the termination of the session, a communication 
M'as rec<?ived from the British government, dochning to 
treat under the mediation of Russia, and proposing a direct 
negotiation at London or Gottenburgh. The proposition 
was accepted by the American government, who chose 
Gottenburgh as the place of meeting, for v/hich Ghent Avas 
afterv/ards substituted; and Henry Clay and Jonathan 
Russell were joined with the conmiissioners already in 
Europe. Mr. Clay, in consequence, relinquished tlie sta- 
tion of speaker of the house of representatives, and was 
succeeded by Langdon Cheves, of South Carolina. 

3. Early in the spring, the American army marched from 
French-]\tills ; a part of the troops, under the command of 
general Wilkinson, proceeding to Plattsburgh, and tJie 
remainder, under general Brown, returning to Sackett's 

,Hai-bor. Near the last ot^ March, rreneral Wilkinson 
Impenetrated into Canada, and attacked a t)ody of the enemy, 
-occupying a large stone mill, on the river La Cole, lie 
was repmsed with considerable loss. This defeat de- 
tracted from his already diininished reputation. lie was 
removed from command, and general Izard appointed to 
succeed him. 

4. For three months, the armies of both nations con- 
tinued inactive. Meanwhile information was received of 
the stupendous events wliich had recently occurred m 
Europe. The emperor of France, havinij been arrested 
in his victorious career, and sustained defeat after defeat, 
was compelled to abdicate his tlirone, and retire to the 
isl'.md of Elba. Louis the XVIIl was proclaimed king ; 
and Great Britain, at peace with all the world but the 
United States, wa.-5 enabled to direct against tliem alune 



1814.1 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. ^/[j 

the immense force whicli had been employed to crush 
her rival. She delayed not to use the advantages af- 
forded by her good fortune. From the ports of conquered 
France, ships of war and transports, bearing veteran ajid 
victorious troops, sailed to the American continent, some 
destined to the Niagara frontier, and some to the Atlantic 
coast. 

5. These events could not be viewed witli indifference 
by the American people. The friends of the administration 
anticipated a severer conflict, and prepared for greater 
sacriticGS and greater sufferings. Its opposers were en- 
couraged to make more vigorous efforts to w]-est the reins 
of auuiority from men wlio, they asserted, had shown 
themselves incompetent to hold them. These efforts, 
although condemned bv a gTcat majority of the people, di- 
minished, in no slight Jegree, the strength of tlie repubhc. 

G. In the beo-inning of July, general Brown, ^ho had 
been assiduously employed 'in disciplining his troops, 
crossed the Niagara with about 3000 men, and took pos- 
session, without opposition, of fort Erie. In a strong 
position, at Chippewa, a few miles distant, was intrenched 
an equal number of British troops commanded by general 
Riall. On tlie 4th, general Brown approached th(>ir works, 
riic next da,y, tlie t^vo armies mot in the open field. Tlie 
conflict was obstinate and bloody. The Americans were 
victorious ; and the enemy, having sustained the loss of 
live hundred men, sought safety behind their intrenchments. 

7. This decisive victory, achieved after so many reverses, 
was hailed as an omen of future success. Soon afterAvards, 
general Rial!, abandoning his works, retired to the heights 
of Burlington. Here lieutenant-general Drummond, with 
a lar^e reinforcement, joined him, and assuming- the com- 
mand, led back the army towards the American camp. 
On the '^Dth, Avas fought the ba:de of Bridgewater, which 
began before sunset and contii ued until midniglit. 

8. This battle was fouo;iit near the cataract of Niagara, 
whose roar was silenced f)y th(3 thunder of cannon and the 
din of arms, but was distinctly heard during the pauses of 
the fight. At intervals tlie mc on shone brightly, but often 
iier hglit was obscured. Against a superior force, the 
Americans, for several hours, contended with various suc- 
cess. During the first part of the engagement, they were 
t-^orely annoyed, into whatever part of the field they miglit 
dri\'e the enemy, or be driven by the British artillery 
Elationed on a C( mmandino- eminence. " Can you storm 



S74 MADISON'S [iSU. 

that battory ? " said g-eneral Ripley to colonel Miller. " I'll 
try, sir," was the laconic answer. At the word of com- 
mand, his men, with steady courage, ascended the hill, 
advanced to tiie muzzles of the cannon, killed with the 
bayonet several artiiJery-men, on tfie point of tiring- tlicir 
pieces, and drove the remainder before them. 

\). Both parties were instantly reinrbrced, and the enemy 
made a daring effort to reg-air their cannon. They were 
repulsed, buf quickly repeated the attempt. Nearly all 
the opposincr forces ^fathered around this position, and to 
possess it was the sole object of both armies, Ag-am the 
enemy were repulsed: but again they renewed the efUbrt. 
After a violent conflict, they were a third time driven 
from the hill. The firings then ceased : the British troops 
were withdrawn ; and the Americajis were left in quiet 
possession of the field. 

10. Generals Brown and Scott having both been severely 
wounded, the command devolved u}X)n general Ripley. 
He remained a few hours upon the -hill, collected the 
wounded, and then returned unmolested to the camp. 
The number of the killed and wounded proves the bravery 
cf the combatants, and the severity of the conflict. On 
die American side it was 748; on the British, one hundred 
less; and of the latter 117 more were missing than of the 
former. The British, therefore, besides losing; their posi- 
tion, sustained the o-reater loss of men. 

il. General Ri]>iey found his force so much weakened, 
that he deemed itj)rudent again to occupy fort Erie. On 
the 4th of August, it was invested by general Dirummond 
with 5000 troops. In defending it, no less bravery and 
skill were requisite, and no less were displayed, than in 
contending in the field. In the night between the 14tli 
und 15th, the besiegers made an assault upon the fort, 
which was repelled with conspicuous gallantry by the 
garrison, the former losing more than nine hundred men, 
the latter but eighty-four. 

12. The siege was still continued. On the 2d of Sep- 
tember, general Brown, having recovered from his wounds, 
threw himself into the fort, and took command of the gar- 
rison. For their fate, great anxiety was felt by the nation, 
which was, however, in some degree, removed by the 
march from Plattsburgh of five thousand men to their 
relief. On the 1 7th, a sortie was made bv the besieged, 
general Porter of the New York militia, anJ general Miller 
of tiie regular army, commanding divisions. The bravery 



i814.1 ADMINISTRATION. 275 

of the troops equalled that whicli they liacl displa}red in the 
recent contests. After an liour of close fighting, they 
returned to tl^e fort, having- killed, v/oimded, ancf taJvcn 
one thousand of tlie enemy. Their loss was severe, 
amounting- to more than five hundred. 

13. On the 21st of September, the forty-ninth day of 
the siege, general Drummond withdrev/ his forces, relieving 
the garrison from their toil, which had been incessant, an? 
from their daiif^er, Avliich liad been encountered wiihou! 
fear. Seldom have troops deserved Iiigher praise of their 
comitry. On tlie 9th of October, general Izard arxiveii 
■svith tlie reinforcement fi'om Platlsburgh, and being senior 
officer, took the command. On tiie 18th, he marched, 
Avitli his whole force, in pursuit of the enemy, Avliom l.e 
found at Chippewa, strongly posted in a fortified camp* 
After making several unsuccessful attempts to entice them 
into the fiekf, he evacuated Canada, and placed Ifts troops 
in winter quarters at Buffalo, Blackrock, and Batavia. 

14. The march of the troops from Plattsburgh having 
left that post almost defenceless, the enemy determined to 
attack it by land, and, at tlie same time, to attempt the 
destruction of the American flotilla on lake Champlain. 
On the 3d of September, sir George Prevost, tlie governor- 
general of Canjida, witli an army of 14.000 men, most of 
whom had served in tiie wars of Europe, entered tlie ter 
ritories of the United States. As soon as his object way 
ascertained, briga(her-general Macomb, tlie commander at 
Plattsburgl), called to his aid the militia of New York and 
Vennont, who, with alacrity and Avithout distinction of 
party, obeyed the call. 

15. On the ()th, the enemy arrived at Plattsburgh, which 
IS situated near lake Champlain, on the northerly bank of 
iJie small river Saranac. On their approach, the American 
iroops, who were posted on the opposite bank, tore up the 
planks of the bridges, with which they formed slight 
breast worls's, and pre])ared to dispute the passage of the 
stream. Several attempts to cross it were made by the 
enemy, but they Avere uniformly defeated. From this time, 
until the 11th, the British army were employed in erecting 
battf'ries, while tlie American forces were every hour aug- 
mented by the arrival of volunteers and militia. 

h). Early in the morning of that day, the British squad- 
ron, commanded by commocbre Downie, appeared off the 
liarbor of Plattsburgh, wliete that of the United States, 
commanded by commodore McDonough, lay at anchor 



276 ■ MADISON'S [1811. 

prepared for battle. The former carried ninety-five ^un.-^^ 
and Avas nian.ied with upwards of 1000 men; the fatter 
carried eig-Jity-six ^un.s, and was manned Avith 8'^0 men. 

17. At nine o'clock tl)e battle commenced. Seldom 
nas the ocean Avitnessed a more furious encoimter than 
noAv took place on the bosom of this transparent and 

Eeaceful laKe. At the same moment, the enemy on land 
egan a lieavy cannonade upon the American lines, and 
attempted, at different places, to cross the Saranac. At 
a ford above the village the strife Avas hot and deadly. As 
often as the enemy advanced mto the Avaicr, tiiey received 
a destructive fire from the militia, and tlieir dead bodies 
boated doAvn the stream, literally crimsoned Avith blood. 

18. At half past eleven, tlie shout of victory, heard 
alonof the American lines, announced the result of the 
battle on the lake. A second British squadron had yielded 
to the prowess of American seamen. The cry animated 
to braver deeds their brethren on the land. Famter became 
the etforts of the enemy. In the afternoon, tliey withdrew 
to their intrenchments. In the night, tlicy began a pre- 
cipitate retreat, and had fled eight miles before their de- 
parture Avas knoAvn in the American camp. 

19. Upon the lake, the American loss Avas 110; tho 
British li)4, besides prisoners. On land, the American 
loss Avas li9; that of the British Avas estimated at '^500. 
In the latter number, hoAvever, Avere included more than 
five hundred Britisli soldiers, Avho, preferring America to 
their native co'uitry, deserted from the retreating army. 
With these splendid victories closed the campaign on tbe 
northern frontier. 

20 On the ocean, the republican flag maintained its 
liigh reputation. Victory Avas not always won ; but defeat 
never occurred attended Avith dishonor. The Essex, com- 
manded by captain Porter, after a bloody combat protracted 
longer tlian was necessary to vindicate his fame, struck 
to a British Irigate and sloop of Avar, AA-hose united force 
was much superior. The American sloop Peacock cap- 
tured the Epervier of equal force. The sloop Wasp, 
commanded by captain Blakely, captured the Reindeer, 
and afterwards, in tlie same cruise, sunk the Avon, each 
of superior force. She made several other prizes ; but 
never returned into port. Darkness rests upon her fate. 
She probably foundered at sea. The republic, with deep 
m\d sincere grief, mourned the loss of her gallant crcAv. 

^1. Tlic people o'' the middle and southern states, an- 



1811.] ADMINISTRATION. 277 

ticipating a great augmentation of the enemy's force, and 
uncertain where the blow would fall, made exertions t(i 
place every exposed position in a posture cf defence. 
The citizens of New York displayed extraordinary activity 
and zeal. Philadelphia and Baltimore were supposed to 
be in less danger, but additions were made to their fortifi- 
cation?. Forthe protection of V/asIiington, a military 
district, embracing Marylmd, Columbia, an^l a part of 
Virginia, was established, and the command of it given to 
general Winder, of Baltimore. One thousand regular 
troops were placed at his disposal, and he was authorized 
to call to his aid 15,000 militia. 

22. In the begujuing of August, the expected reinforce- 
ments, consisting of many vessels of war, and a large 
number of troops, arrived in the Chesapeake from Europe. 
Of this force several frigates and bomb vessels were ordered 
to ascend the Potomac ; another division, under sir Peter 
Parker, was directed to threaten Baltimore ; the main body 
ascended the Patuxent as far as Benedict, Avhere, on the 
19th of August, five thousand men, commanded by general 
Ross, were landed. 

23. In the mean time, general Winder had called on the 
militia to repair to his standard. They were exceedingly 
remiss m obeying the call. On the 22d, not more than 
two thousand had assembled. At the head of these, and 
of one thousand regulars, lie took a position not far from 
the enemy, intending to prevent their progress into the 
cou)itry. 

24. A particular account of the subsequent events will 
not be attempted. General Ross, marching through a 
scattered population, advanced towards Washmgton. The 
Americans retired before him. A stand was made near 
Bladensburgh. The militia fled on the approach of danger ; 
out a body of seamen and rr/irines, commanded by com- 
modore Barney, not only maintained their ground, but 
compelled the enemy to give way. They rallied, however, 
immediately ; outflanked the heroic band, put it to flight, 
and hastened forward. 

25. The retreating forces were ordered to assemble on 
the heights near the capitol ; and there they wero jomed 
by a bodv of Virginia militia. But general Winder, con- 
sidering his force' too weak to oppose etff^ctual resistance, 
retreated to the heights of Georgetown. Washington, thus 
left defenceless, was deserted by most of the citizens. 

20. On the 24th, at eight o'clock in the evening, tJiQ 



278 MADISOJN'S [1814. 

enemy entered the city, and at nine, the capitol, president's 
house, and many other buihhngs, were set on fire. Valu- 
able libraries, works of taste, and eleg-ant specimens of 
tlic fine arts, were consicrned to destruction. On the 
evening" of the next day, tlie enemy left the city, and re- 
turned unmolested to Benedict; where, on the 30th, they 
embarked on boai:d the transports. Tlieir loss, during- the 
incursion, including deserters, and such as died from fatigue 
on the march, exceeded eight hundred. 

27. The capture of Washington rellected disgrace upon 
those by whom it ouglit to have been defended. The de- 
struction of tne national edifices attached a still darker 
stigma to the character of tl le enemy. The whole civilized 
world exclaimed against the act as a violation of the rules 
3f modern -v^'arfare. The capitals of most of the European 
kingdoms had lately been in the power of an enemy ; but 
m no instance had. the conqueror been guilty of smiilar 
conduct. An indignant spirit pervaded the republic. The 
friends of tlie government were not only increased in 
number, but felt an additional motive to exert all their 
fac'ilties to overcome the enemy of their country. 

28. The squadron which, at the same time, ascended 
tlie Potomac, met with even less resistance than that 
M'liich ascended the Patuxent. As soon as it arrived at 
Alexandria, the citizens prooosed a capitulation ; and the 
terms nere speedily adjusted with the British commander. 
To purchase safety, they delivered up all their shipping; 
all the merchandise in the city, and all the naval and ord- 
nance stores, public and private. With a fleet of prizes, 
loaded Avith a ricli booty, the enemy returned immediately 
to the ocean. 

21). The success of tlie attack on Washington encouraged 
general Ross to undertake an expedition against Balthnore. 
On the 12th of September, he landed 5000 men on North 
Pomt, about fourteen miles from the city, to A\hich he 
directed his march. Preparations for defence had already 
been made. The whole of tlie militia had 'been called 
mto tlie field; the aged and the rich had voluntarily 
entered the ranks ; and assistance had been obtained from 
Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

30. General Smith, who commanded the American 
forces, detaclied goieral Striker, with three thousand men, 
to retard the progress of the enemy. The advanced parties 
met about eight miles from the city. In the sldrmish 
wliich ensued general Ross was killed. The invaders, 



1814.] ADMINISTRATION. 279 

however, under the command of colonel Brooke, continued 
to advance, and soon met and attacked the detachment 
under Striker. One of the militia regiments gave way. 
This communicated a panic to the others, and the general 
fell back to the heights, where, behind breastworks hastily- 
erected, the main body of the Americans awaited an attack. 

31. After landing the troops at North Pomt, the British 
fleet had sailed up the Petapsco, and bombarded fort 
McHenry and fort Covington, which stand at the entrance 
into the harbor. The former was commanded by major 
Armistead, the latter by lieutenant Newcomb, of the navj 
Both were gallantly defended, the fleet was repulsed, ana 
the commander of the troops, finding that the naval force 
could afford no flirther assistance, retreated, on the 14th, 
to North Point, and the next day re-embarked. Soon 
after, the fleet left Chesapeake bay, ana part proceede* 
southward to convey the troops to the theatre of future 
operations and of unprecedented slaughter. 

32. In the 'New England states, a majority of the people 
were, from the first, opposed to the war ; and as it restrained 
them from their most profitable pursuits, commerce and 
the fisheries, their dissatisfaction continued to increase. 
Thev complained that their peculiar interests were disre- 
gartfed, and that the government, employing elsewhere the 
resources drawn from New England, did not afford them 
that protection to which, as a part of the nation, they were 
entitled. The most zealous therefore recommended that 
not only the militia but the revenue should be retained at 
home and employed for their own defence and protection. 

33. The general court of Massachusetts proposed tliat 
a convention of delegates, from the New England states^ 
should assemble at Hartford, to devise means to obtain 
redress of their grievances. To this proposition Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island acceded. In December the 
convention met, consisting of delegates from those states 
appointed by their legislatures; of two from New Hamp- 
shire, and one from Vermont, appointed at county meetings. 
Their sittings were secret. Upon their adjournment, they 
published an address to the people, in which, in bold and 
forcible language, they enumerated the measures of the 
national government, supposed to be particularly detri- 
mental to the interests of New England, and of the com- 
mercial class of the nation, and proposed such amendments 
to the constitution as would prevent, in future, the adoption 
of similar measures. 



280 MADISON'S |J8J4. 

34. In the fall, information was received that the Ameri- 
can and British commissioners had met and held con- 
ferences at Ghent. Great Britain, rendered arroo-ant by 
her recent triumphs in Europe, by the capture of Wash- 
ington, and by the boldness of the opposition, demanded 
terms which exting-uishcd the hope ot a speedy reconcili- 
ation. Congress shrunk' not from the duty* which the 
crisis hnposed. Although the expenditures of the nation 
greatly exceeded the income ; although its finances were 
m disorder, and its credit was impaired, yet the national 
legislature, with undaunted firmness, entered upon the task 
of furnisiiing the means to prosecute the war with increased 
vigor. The taxes were augmented, and new loans were 
authorized. The duties of secretary at war, from which 
post general Armstrong was removed, were assigned to Mr. 
Monroe, the secretary of state, and Mr. Dallas, ofePenn- 
sylvaniE was appointed secretary of the treasury. 

35. T.je repose of general Jackson, and of the troops 
whom he commanded, was interrupted by the arrival, at 
Pensacola, in August, of three British ships of war, bring- 
ing three hundred soldiers, and arms and ammunition to 
be distributed among the Indians of Florida. The troops 
were permitted, by the Spaniards, to take possession of 
the fort, and the commander issued a proclamation, indi- 
cating an intention of carrying on war against the adjacent 
parts of the republic. 

3G. General ' Jackson, with characteristic promptness, 
took instant and efncient measures for calling to his aid 
the patriotic militia, who had before been victorious under 
nis banners. And having remonstrated in vain "with the 
governorof Pensacola, for affording shelter and protecCion 
to the enemies of tlie United States, lie, near the end of 
October, at the head of a body of regulars and two thousand 
mounted volunteers, marched against that place. A fkig 
sent to demand redress, was fired on from the batteries 
He immediately marched into the city, stormed the fort, 
obtained entire possession, and compelled the British to 
evacuate Florida. 

37. Returning to his head -quarters at Mobile, he there 
received intelligence tJiat a powerful expedition was on 
the way to attack New Orleans. Without delay, he 
marched, with his troops, to that city. He found it m a 
state of confusion and alarm. The militia, composed of 
men of all nations, was unperfectly organized. Many, 
feeling no attacliment to the republic, had refused to enter 



18J4.1 ADrvUNlSTRATION. ySl 

the ranivs. No fortifications existed on the various routes 
Dy which the place could be approached ; and fears were 
entertained that the reinforcements of militia, which 
were expected from Kentucky and Tennessee, could not 
arrive m time to take part in the contest. 

38. Undismayed by the difficulties wliich surrounded 
him, o-eneral Jackson adopted the most decided and efficient 
means for the safety of tliis rich and important city. He 
visited in person every exposed point, and designated the 
positions to be fortified. He mingled with the citizens, 
and infused into tlie greater part his own spirit and energy. 
By his presence and exhortations, they were animated to 
exertions of which before they were not supposed to be 
capable. All who co(dd wield a spade, or carry a musket, 
w(.'re put to work upon the fortifications, or trained in the 
art of defending them. 

39. Tne Mississippi, upon the east bank of which New- 
Orleans stands, flows to the ocean in several channels. 
One, leaving tlie main stream above the city, runs east of 
it, and forms, in its course, lake Ponchartrain and lake 
Borgne. Early in December, the enemv entered this 
channel. Their whole force amounted to about 8000 men, 
a part of whom liad just loft the shores of the Chesapeake, 
and the remainder liad arrived directly from England. A 
small squadron of gunboats, under lieutenant Jones, was 
despatched to oppose tlieir passage into the lake. These 
were met by a superior force, and, after a spirited conflict, 
in which the killed and wounded of the enemy exceeded 
the whole number of the Americans, they were compelled 
to surrender. 

40. This disaster required the adoption, in the city, of 
more vigorous measures. Disaffection growing bolder, 
martial law was proclaimed; the authority oflthe civil 
magistrate was suspended; and arbitrary power was as- 
sumed and exercised by the commander-in-chief May 
no emergency hereafter occur, in which a military officer 
shah consider himself authorized to cite, as a precedent, 
this violation of the constitution. 

41. On the 2]st of December, four thousand militia 
arrived from Tennessee. On the 2"2d, the enemy, having 
previously landed, took a position near the main channel 
of the river, about eight miles below the city. In the 
evening of the 23d, general Jackson made a sudden and 
furious attack upon their camp. They were thrown into 
iUsorder ; but they soon ralUed and fought witli bravery 



282 MADISON'S 1 1815, 

equal to tl'.at of the assailants. Satisfied with the advan- 
tage first g-ained, he withdrew, his troops, fortified a strong 
.)osition four miles below New Orleans, and supported It 
hy batteries erected on the west bank of the river. 

42. On the 28th of December, and first of January, 
vasforous but nnsuccessful attacks Avere made upon these 
fortifications by the enemy. In the mean time, both 
armies had received reinforcements ; and general Packen- 
ham, the British commander, resolved to exert all his 
stfimoth in a combined attack upon the American jx)sitions 
on both sides of the river. With almost incredible indus- 
try, he caused a canal, leading from a creek emptying into 
lake Borg-ne to the main channel of the Mississippi, to 
be dug, that he might remove a part of his boats and ar- 
tillery to the latter. All things being prepared, the 8th 
of January was assigned for the assault. 

43. In the night, a regiment was transported across the 
river, to storm the works on the western bank, and turn 
(he guns on the American troops on the eastern. Early 
in the morning, the main body of the enemy, consisting of 
seven or eiglit thousand men, marched from their camp to 
the assault. While approaching, fearless and undaunted, 
showers of grape-shot thinned their ranks. When they 
came within musket-sliot, a vivid stream of fire burst from 
the American lines. General Jackson having placed his 
U'oops in two ranks, those in the rear loaded for those in 
front, enabling tliem to fire with scarcely a moment's 
intermission. The militia of the west, trained from 
infancy to the use of the rifle, seldom took unsteady or 
uncertain aim. The plain was soon covered with dead 
and wounded. Some British regiments faltered and fell 
Dack ; but others advanced and presented new victims. 
While bravely leading to the walls the regiment which 
bore the lad,ders, general Packenham was killed, li? 
attempting to restore order and to rally the fiigitives, 
general Gibbs, the second in command, was wounded 
mortally, and general Keene severely. Without officers 
to direct them, the troops first halted, then fell back, and 
soon fled in disorder to tlieir camp. In little more than 
an hour, two thousand of the enemy were laid prostrate 
upon the field; while of the Americans but seven were 
killed and six wounded— a disproportion of loss without 
a parallel in the annals of Avarfare. 

44. The events of the day, on the west side of the 
river, present a strildng instance of the uncertainty of 



1815.] ADMINISTRATION. '2H'J 

warlike operations. Tliere the Americans were thrice t)ic 
number of tlie assailants, and were protected by intrcncli- 
ments ; but they in^loriously fled. They were closely 
pursued, until the Britisli party, receiving- intelligence of 
tlie defeat of the main army, withdrew irom pursuit, and 
recrossed the river. Tliey then returned and resumed 
possession of their intrenchments. 

45. General Lambert, upon whom the com.mand of the 
British army had devolved, having lost all hope of success 
prepared to return to his shipping. In his retreat he was 
not molested ; general Jackson wise!}'' resolving tq^hazard 
nothinor that he had gained, in attempting to gain still more. 

46. In the midst of the rejoicin<js for this signal victory, 
a special messenf^er arrived from Europe, with a treaty of 
peace, which, in December, had been concluded at Ghent. 
The British government had receded from all their de- 
mands ; and as the orders in council had been repealed, 
and all motive for the impressment of seamen had ceased 
v/ith the war in Europe, no stipulation, in relation to these 
subjects, was inserted in' the treaty, winch provided merely 
for the restoration of peace and the revision of boundaries. 
The treaty was immediately ratified by the president and 
senate, 

47. The war, however, did not cease on the ocean, until 
tAvo additional victories liad imparted a brighter lustre to 
the republican flag. In February, the Constitution, then 
cruising under the command of captain Stewart, capturea 
the Cyane and Levant, whose forces united were superior 
to hers ; and in March, tlie sloon Hornet captured the 
brisf Penguin, stron<^er in guns and men than the victor. 



APPENDIX. 



THE Engiisli colonies of North America were settled under 
t!ie most favorable auspices. The mind of man had just burst 
from thraldom, and begun to delight in the free and vigorous 
exercise of its powers. Religion and government had become 
themes of animated discussion. The people had boldl}' ques- 
tioned the divine right of tlieir rulers to control their actions, 
and of tlieir priests to prescribe to them articles of faith. They 
had assuinenahigher rank andbolder attitude, and, conscious of 
tlieir ovv^n power, had begun to feel less dependence upon others. 

2. From that country, where the advancement of knowledge 
had been greatest, came those who peopled this western wilder- 
ness. Thev belonged principally to a class so lii^h as to have 
])articipated largely in the advantages which knowledge imparts, 
and yet not so high as to be above the power of the oppressor 
Tile persecutions they had endured rendered the principles of 
civil and religious liberty more dear to their hearts, and led 
to inquiries and reflections, which fixed a conviction of their 
truth more firmly in their understandings. 

3. No occasion could be more fortunate, no men could be 
6etter fitted, to lay the foundrition of a superstructure entirely 
new. Their knowledge enabled them to discern the good and 
ihe evil of tlie political institutions, which had existed in the 
\vorld ; and their feelings, chastened by their sufferings, or ele- 
vated by their fiivorabJe view of human nature, led them to 
reject those provisions, which sacrificed the happiness of many 
to tiie splendor of a few, and to adopt such onl}^ as gave equal 
rights and privileges to all, 

4. In every nation of Europe, ecclesiastical establishment.*! 
existed, almost co-ordinate with the civil authority. The offi 
0(?rs of these establishments were numerous, and their privileges 
extensive. For their support, in early times, a tenth part of 
the inc<nne of the laity was appropriated. Possessing wcMltb, 
and rank, and learning, their influence was great, and w.'.s 
constantly exerted to acquire and preserve dominif»n over the 
minds and consciences of men. Tiieir success w.as equal to 
the means which they employed. They continued to add to 
their wealth and power, until, corrupted by luxury and idle- 
ness, they forgot their duties to God and toman, and encum- 
bered society with a useless and oppressive weight. 

5. No part of these establishments have been transferred 
ti; America. The first settlers of most of the colonies were 
too proud of their attainments in spiritual knowledge, to sub- 
mit to dictation in matters of faith, and too independent in 
feeling to acknowledge a superior on earth. Here man re- 
sumed his natural nnn dignified station , and the ministers of 
the gospel, maintaining an apostolical simplicity of character 
und manners, have seldom sought to obtain, and possess not 



APrENDIX. '>;-. 

tho moans of oblaininj, any greater influence than Uial wJiich 
superior virtue and piety confer. 

6. The doctrine ol hereditary right prevailed also tliroudiout 
I'^urope. By tlie fundamental, regulations of nearly every king- 
dom, the monarch and nobles tranainiited to their eldest sons, 
even though destitute of talents and virtue, their authority, 
privileges, and rank. The people often saw on the throne men 
who were guilty of the most atrocious wickedness, and whose 
conduct involved connnunities and nations in misery ; but no 
attempt could be made to reuiove or punish thein without incur- 
ring the penalty of rebellion. They saw also, in otiier exalted 
stations, men e.j lally wicked and equally Ix^yond tlieir control. 

7. The law of pumogeniture existed as a part of the hered- 
itary system, "^"le eldest ^son inherited, not'the title only, but 
also all the lands of the father. By this unjust and unnatural 
law, the younger sons and the daughters were doomed to com- 
parative poverty. One portion of the people was made rich a-id 
another poor. Few were placed in that happy medunn between 
Vv'ealth and poverty, which is most favorable to virtue, to iiap- 
pmess. and to the improvement of tlie human faculties. 

8. The principle, that power could be inherited, was at once 
rejected by the first»e mi grants to America. They had witnessed, 
in Europe, the pernicious operation of tliis principle; they 
were convinced of its 'absunlity ; and even had not such been 
the case, that equality of rank and condition, which existed 
among them, would have prevented any one from claimingsuch 
a privilege for his family, and all others from submitting to it. 

9. The law of primogeniture fell of course into disuse, or was 
abolished. That equality of rights and of rank, which prevail- 
ed at first, has continued to prevail; and though, in some of 
the colonies, the extravagant grants of land, whicli were made 
by capricious governors to their favorites, introduced great in- 
equality of fortune, yet the salutary operation of various lavs 
is continually diminishing this inequality, dividing and distrib- 
uting among many that wealtii, which, when in "the hands cf 
a few, is less beneiicial to the public, and productive of kss in- 
dividual enjoyment. 

10. The systems of government established in the colonies, 
were also departures from European precedents, and were in 
p<^rfect harmony with their social institutions. Most of the 
provisions of the early charters were doubtless suggested by tlie 
first emigrants, and of course accorded with their' liberal polit- 
ical principles. The kings, who granted them, conceded maiiy 
privileges to encourage the settlement of colonies in America, 
entertaining no susnicion that their successors would ever have 
occasion to regret their concessions. These charters made but 
little distinction in the ridits and privileges of the colonists. 
Every man could regard those around him as his equals. The 
slate of individual dependence being hardly knov.m. all sense of 
dependence on the mother country was gradunlly lost ; and the 
transition from a colonial to an independent condition was nat 
ural and unavoidable. 



»:•; APPENDIX. 

11. In nolhiiijj: is the contrast between the two systems of 
g<jvernnient greater than in the requisitions, which they make 
of the people, for their support vnd defence. That of Great 
Britain may be taken as a favorable example of the European 
governments. The people of that kingdom pay, annually , for the 
support of their sovereig^n ai>d his relatives, nearly two and a 
half millions of dollars, while the compensation of the president 
of the United States is but twenty-five thousand. In the salaries 
of the subordinate officers, of government, the disproportion is 
not so great; but is generally, nevertheless, as four or five to one. 

12. Tlie mititaiy peace estabUsJnnent of Great Britain osts 
annually thirty-four millions of dollars; that of the United 
States but little more than live millions. The naval estab- 
lishment of the former costs twenty-two millions ; that of the 
latter less than two and a half millions. British subjects pay 
in taxes, raised exclusively for national purposes, at the rate 
of fifteen dollars yearly for each individual ; the citizens of the 
United States pay, m national and state taxes, at the rate of but 
two dollars. And as the wiiole i>opulation of Great Britain and 
Ireland is included in the estimate, the individual wealth of the 
subjects of the united kingdom, and of the citizens of the Amer- 
ican republic, may, on an average, be considered nearly equal. 

13. With burdens thus light, not embarrassed by too much 
legulation. nor restricted by monopolies, but lef\ at liberty to 
pursue their own interests, as indivioual judgment may dictate, 
the citizens of the republic have boldly embarked in all the 
ordinary pursuits of man ; and in all have met with a degree 
of success, whicli exhibits a favorable and forcible commentary 
upon their free institutions, and jiroves that no other people 
surpass them in activity or enterprise. 

14. In the pursuits of agricui.tuke, by far the greatest 
portion of the inhabitants are engag(-d ; and for that em])loy 
ment the country is most favorably situated. It embraces 
every desirable variety of climate. The soil is generally good ; 
in many parts of the union, it is exceedingly fertile ; and it 
produces, or may be made to produce, almost every vegetable, 
which can be used as the food of man, or as the material of 
manufactures. Tiie northern states produce Indian corn, rye. 
wheat, flax, hemp, oats, potatoes ; and their pastures feed and 
fatten large numbers of cattle and sheep. The middle and 
western states produce tobacco, and the same articles as the 
northern, but wheat in much greater abundance. In the south- 
ern states, cotton is principally cultivated, but considerable 
quantities of rice and sugar are produced. 

lo. In 1S20, the number of persons engaged m agriculture 
was 2 070 646. The value of all its products exported during 
the year ending the 30th of September, 1823, was 37,646,000 
dollars. The principal articles were, cotton to the value of 
20 445 000 dollars; flour to the value of 4,962.000 dollars; 
tobacco to the value of 4,852,000 dollars ; and rice to the value 
of 1,821.000 doUans. The value of provisions of all kmdg 
exported was 13,460,000 dollars, and it has, in n*any years 



APPENDIX. 2c?> 

been grrater. A people able to spare sucli an amount of the 
necessaries oflife can never be in danger of sutf'ering from want. 

16. The agricuhural class is conspicuous for industry, ninrali- 
ty, and general intelHgence, buthasle.ss professional knowledge 
than tlie same class in Europe. Land having hitiierto been 
cheap, and not exhausted by cultivation, agriculturalists have 
not been eager, and it has not been necessary, to make practical 
.Tpplication of tlie discoveries of science. A change in these 
respects having taKen place, especiall}'^ in the Atlantic states, 
many now study their profession as a science ; and, as all pro- 
fessions are estimated according to the skill and intelligence 
f(^quired to attain eminence in them, they are raising their 
own nearer to that rank in society, to which the utility and 
importance of agriculture entitle it. More taste and neatness 
are displayed, and the appearance of the countr}"- is visibly and 
rapidlv iuiproving. 

17. The coMMKticK of the United States has yielded a ncii 
harvest of wealth. Various circumstances have directed to 
tiiis pursuit the attention of a large portion of tiie populatior^, 
and have contributed to their prosperity in it. For two thou- 
sand miles, the republic bounds upon the sea, and in that 
space has many e.Ycellent harbors. Tiie finest timber for ship 
uuilding is abundant, and easily procured. Near the shorea 
of the northern states, and on "the adjacent banks of New- 
foundlandj are fishing stations, unsurpassed by any in the 
worW. Fishing is consequently a lucrative employment, in 
proportion to the capital invested, and attracts to it a large 
number of the natives of those states. These become accus- 
tomed to a seafaring life, and soon pass into larger vesselst 
destined for more distant and perilous voyages. 

18. The state of the world, for several years subsequent to 
the commencement (if tiie French revolution, offi^vd great en- 
couragement to the commercial enterprise of thecountry. While 
almost every otJier pov/er was engaged in war, the United Slates 
were neutral ; their vessels navigated the ocean in safety, and 
were employed to carry, from port to pf)rt, the commodities of 
the belligerent nati(ms. In fifteen years, beginning with 179.!i, 
these favorable circumstances increased the amount of Ameri- 
can tonnage from 491,01)0 to 1,242,000 tons, and the revenue 
arising from commerce from 4,399,000 tcf' 16,363,000 dollnrs. 

19. In 1S20, tiie number of persons engaged in commerce 
was 72,493. In 1823, the wnole amount of exports was 
74,799,()i)0 dollars; the amount of imports was 77,579,000 
dollars, the balance, in favor of tne United States, being about 
three millions of dollars. As the hnports, however, are always 
nndervaliied at the custain-house,the additional wealth, whicm, 
m that year, accrued to the nation from commerce, was un 
doubted ly greater. 

20. In other years, the commerce of the country has flour 
ished more. In 1807, the exports amounted to 108,343,000 
dollars, and the imports to 138,574,000 dollars. The principal 
^iau.'5cs of tiie dee.line which has taken '|)]ace, have been, tha 



2SS appendit:. 

restoration of peace in Euroj)e, pnd the incronso of the prod- 
uct of domestic nianufactiires. 'file former has permitted all 
other nations to become our C'jjn'ietitofs ; the latter iias ren- 
deretl it urrecessary to resort to Europe for iiKJst ol' tlie con- 
veniencies and many of tho luxuries of life. The depression 
will not lf)ng continue. T!ie inde^^endence of tiie South Amer- 
ican republics has opened a wide held for the enterprise of our 
merchauts, and given a brighter hue to their future prospects. 

21. The con kishet y on the north-easteri coast ot America 
attracted, wt an ear'/ period, the attention of the world, hi 
i683, sir iiumphr.y Gilbert found thirty-six vessels fishing in 
tl\e harbor of S*. John, in Nev/foundland. They were prin- 
cipally fiom Eiscay, in Spain^ and Eritany in France, and, for 
many year:, the French retamed almost a jnonopoly of this 
source '-r wealth, jn 1744, they employed, in tliis fishery, 414 
large .snips, navigated by about 24,000 seamen, and the quan- 
tity offish taken amounted to 1,149,()0{) quintals. 

22. The war of 1756, expelling the Fre!:ich from the conti- 
nent, trarisfrrred the privileges which they had enjoyed to Great 
Britain. The English colonvt's, from their vic«aity , participated 
largely in them. In the year 1760, six liundred and sixty ves- 
sels, navigated by 4,400 seamen, were fitted out from the porta 
of Nev/ England. During the revolutionary war, the Ameri- 
cans were compelled to relinquish this profitable pursuit; and 
it required all the firmness and address of the ruegotiators of 
the peace of 1783, to secure to these states those advantages 
which nature seems to liave intended for them, and which 
they had enjoyed as a component part of the British empire 
Tiiey were at length, however, notwithstanding the covert 
opposition of France, conceded Ky the mother country. 

23. From that pc^riod, till 1S07, the number of vessels and 
men employed in this pursuit continued to incrense. An esti- 
mate lias been made that, frpm 1790 to 1810, twelve hundred 
vessf^s of all kinds, navigated by 10,5(X) men and boys, were, 
oh an average, yeni-ly employed in the Bank, Bav. and Labra- 
dor fisheries ; 1,150,000 quintals offish were caught and cured , 
and 37,000 barrels of oil were made. The annual value of 
(he product of these fisheries could not have been less than 
ihree and a half millions of dollars. They were interrupted 
by the last war with Great Britain, and have not since re- 
gained their former activity. As nurseries of seamen, they 
are important to the nation ; and as such have received the 
partiCLilar attention and encouragement of government. A 
bounty, whicii has, in some years, amounted to 2(X),000 dol 
lars, is paid to the owners and crews of the vessels employed. 

24. The wnAi.E fisjikkv of the United States ought not to 
06 passed over unnoticed. Fts successful prosecution requires 
uncommon hardihood and skill. As early as 16flO, the inhab- 
itants of Nantucket engaged in this pursuit, and were soon 
after ji'irK^d bv their breliiren of the town New Bedford. In 
a few y(>ars these monsiers of t!ie deep were driven from the 
American coasts; but were pursued with ardor into seas tii6 



APPENDIX. 2m 

most remote. In 1715, two hundred and twenty-ei^ht tons, 
m 1771, twenty-seven thousand tons; in 1S15, lorty-two 
thousand tons of shipping were employed m this business. 
The product of this fishery, exported in 1807, consisting of 
cominon and spermaceti oil and whalebone, was valued at 
606,000 dollars ; in 1823, at 653,000 dollars. 

25. An extract from Ute speech of Mr. Burke, delivered in the 
British parliament, in 1775, presents, in eloquent language, 
a correct idea of the importance of this fishery, and of the 
enterprise and dexterity of those engaged in it. " As to the 
wealtli wliich the colonies have drawn from the sea by their 
fisheries, you had all that matter fully opened at your bar. You 
surely thou^lit those acquisitions of value ; for thev seemed 
even to excite your envy ; and yet the spirit by which that 
enterprising employment has been exercised, ought rather, in 
my opinion, to have raised your esteem and admiration. 

26. ''And pray, sir, what in the world is equal to it.'' Pass 
bv the other parts, and look at the manner in which the peo- 
ple of New England have of late carried on the whale fishery. 
While we follow them among the tumbling mountains of ice, 
and behold them penetrating into the deepest frozen recesses 
of Hudson's bay and Davis's straits; whilst we are looking 
for them bencnith the arctic circle, we Jiear that they have 
pierced into the opposite region of polar cold ; that they are 
at the antipodes, ana engftged under the frozen serpent of the 
south. Falkland Island, which seemed too remote and romantic 
an object for the grasp of national ambition, is but a stage 
and resting place in tlie progress of their vxtorious industry. 

27. " Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them 
than the accumulated winter of both poles. We know that, 
while some of them drawtlie line and striJte tlie har])oon on the 
coa.st of Africa, others run the longitude and pursue the gigan 
tic game along the coast of Brazil. No sea but what is vexed 
by their fisheries. No climate that is not witness to their toils. 
Neither the perseverance of Holland, nor the activity of France, 
nor the dexterous and firm sagacity of English enterprise, ever 
carried this most perilous mooe of hardy industry to the exttmt 
to which it has been pushed by this recent people ; a people 
who are still, as it were, but in the gristle, and not yet hardened 
into the bone of manhood. 

28. '< When I contemplate these things; when I know that 
the colonies owe little oi nothing to any care of ours, and that 
they are not squeezed into this happy form by the constraint 
of watchful and suspicious government, but that, through a 
wise and salutary neglect, a generous nature has been suffered 
to take Its own way to perfection ; when I reflect upon these 
efft'cts, when I see how profitable they have been to us, 1 feel 
ail the pride of power sink, and all presumption in the wisdom 
of human contrivances melt and die away within me. My 
rigor relents. I pardon something tr the spirit of liberty." 

2.9. Manufacturks. While the United States were colo- 
nies, the mother country endeavored to prevent the inhabiUuiUi 



mi APPENDIX. 

from manufacturing any article whatever, even for their own 

use. The erection of shtting-mills wa.s prohibited, and hatteis 
were forbidden to uike any apprentice for less tlian seven years, 
or to employ more than t\vo at a time. In addition to these ana 
other lexisicvtive enactments, the wages of labor were high, 
and neitiier skill nor surplus capital existed in the country. But 
little attention was of course given to rnaimfactures, and the 
inhabitants received theirsupplies from the artisans of England. 

30. Some attejnpts were however made, a few years previous 
to the commencement of the revolutionary war, to introduce 
manufactures. Such was in part the intention of the non- 
importation agreemeiits : and some of the colonial legislatures, 
to encourage liie production of wool, and the manufacture of 
cloths, exem{ited sheep from taxation. But^ at no time, pre- 
vious to the adoption of the constitution, did manufacturers 
exist in the country in sutficient number to be considered a 
class of the population. 

31. And indeed it was not until the imposition of the em- 
bargo, in 1807, that any considerable impulse was given to 
tins branch of industry. Prevented by this interruption of 
commerce, from exchanging their products for foreign articles, 
the inha]>itants then attempted to fabricate them for them- 
selves. From the want of experience and skill, many of the 
first attempts were unsuccessful ; but in a very short time 
these deficiencies were supplied, and at the close of the .war 
the amount of the products of manufactures was astonishingly 
great. Forming an estimate from the amount in ISIO, which 
was near 170 millions, it could not have been less, for 1814, 
than two hundred millions of dollars. In this amount, how- 
ever, are included the products of household manufactures, 
and of the mechanic arts. 

32. Peace, by aifordiiig to foreigners an opportunity of in- 
troducing the goods which had accumulated in their ware- 
houses, checked, for a i'ew years, the impulse which the re- 
strictive measures and the war had given. In each of the 
three years following ISlo, the value of articles manufactured 
was probably less than in any one of the preceding six years. 
From the year 1818 the amount has gradually increased, and 
in 1S'.M and 1822, it was probably greatt^r than it had ever 
before been. It will hereafler continue to increase, and the 
navigation of the coun.try will be employed, not so much in 
bringing home tlie manufactures of other nation.s, as in car- 
rying abroad those of the United States. In this way, domes- 
tic manufactures will repay to commerce the capital they have 
lately drawn from it. 

33 Tiie states in which the greatest attention is deyol^d to 
this braiich of industry, are Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Mas- 
sachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The principal 
manufactures are those of cctton and of woollen cloths, of 
iron, and of leatlipr. In 1S20, the numlier of inhabitants 
engaged In manufactures v/as 349^506. 

34. The question, Avhether agriculture, commerce, or man- 



APPENDIX. 291 

uiactures is most productive of national wealth, and to which 
the government ought, in preference, to extend its protection 
and encouragement, has lately been wariul3^ discussed, by the 
politicians and writers on political economy, in America, and 
m Europe. Each interest has iiad its advocates. Tlie decis- 
ion of the irapartiai statesman would probably be that neither 
should be encouraged to the neglect of the others ; that if 
either is, in any degree, to be preferred, it is that wliich is, at 
the time, tiie most depressed ; or that which siinplies most of 
the means of national defence, and most of the necessariea 
and conveniencies of life. 

35. Debt, Revenue, and Expenditubes. When, in 1790, 
the public debt was first funded, it amounted to about 75,000,000 
of dollars. In 1803, by the purchase of Louisiana, it was 
augmented to about 85,500,000. In the eiglit years which 
followed, a large amount was paid, leaving due, in 1812, but 
little more than 45,000,000. To defray the expenses of the 
war, which was declared in that yenr, more than 80,000,000 
of new debt was contracted. A large portion has since been 
paid, and, on the first day of January, 1823, the amount of it 
was 9(L865,S77 dollars. 

36. The present revenue of the republic is derived princi- 
pally from commerce, and from the sale of public lands. In 
1822, there accrued from the former source, tlie sum of 
20,500,775 dollars; from the latter source, 1,803,581; and 
from other sources, 839,084. The amount, liowever, which wa.s 
actually received, during the year, was l)ut 20,232,427. 

37. The expenditures, during the same year, were as fol- 
lows : Civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous, 1,967,996; for 
the pay and support of the army, the construction of forts, the 
supply of arms, the payment of pensions, and the various ex- 
penses of the Indian department, 5,635,188 ; for' the support 
and increase of the navy, 2,224,4o8; for the payment of the 
interest, and for the redemption of that portion of the principal 
of the debt which became due within the year, 7,848,949; 
ainounting in the whole to 17,676,591, and leaving an excess 
of revenue over expenditure of 2,555,836 dollars. 

38. Education. In the kingdoms of Europe large sums 
have been appropriated, by the government, for the purposes 
of education. Nearly all, however, has heen expended in 
founding or endowing universities. To these the sons of the 
noble and the rich could alone gain access ; and the intention 
and effect of the expenditure has always been, to produce 
erudite scholars a,nd able orators, and to perpetuate and widen 
the separation between the higher and the lower classes of 
the population. 

39. The people of the United States have had a different 
object in view, and one more congenial with their political in- 
stitutions. Desirous that none should be ignorant, their first 
and principal care has been, to impart the advantages of in- 
struction to the whole mass of the population. With this 
view, the legislaturea of many of the Btatos have ordained tiiat 



292 APPENDIX. 

Bchools, for the education of all the youth in reading, writing 
and arithmetic, shall be kept, and supported by a public an« 
general tax. 

40. This system was adopted in Massachusetts as early aa 
1647. A law was then passed, by that colony, providing that 
a school should be kept m every township having fifty house- 
holders, in which all the children, who might resort to it, 
should oe taught to read and write. As the number of in- 
habitants increased, the townships were divided into small dis- 
trict^;. and a school supported in each. Thus, the means of 
education were provided, at tlie public expense, and the op- 
portunity of acquiring it placed within the power of all. 

41. lmmediate.ly after their first settlement, the same system 
was adoffted by the other colonies of New England ; and it 
has, by all of them, been preserved and cherished to the pres- 
ent time. Connecticut, having a large tract of land in Ohio, 
which was sold for 1,200,000 dollars, appropriated the whcle 
sum to the pupport of common or primary schools. The sum 
has since been augment(?d to 1,700,000 dollars, and the inter- 
est is annually distributed to the several school districts ac- 
cording to the number of scholars taught in each. No district, 
however, is entitled to any aid from this fund, unless it had, 
m the preceding year, expended, for the same purpose, a cer 
tiin amount derived froiu its own resources. 

42. The effect of this system has been, to render the great 
body of the people of these states the most enlightened in the 
world. All can read and write, and rarely can one be found 
not qualified, by education, to transact the common concerns 
of life. To educate his cnildren, is the first object, and the 
chief glory of the parent ; their ignorance is to him and to 
them disgraceful. In these schools, the human mind receives 
its first impulse in the career of learning; an impulse^ whicli 
carries many forward to high stations of honor and of usefulness 

43. The great state of New York, distinguished for magnifi- 
cent projects of internni improvement, and for libera] patron- 
age of literature and the arts, has lately adopted a system nearly 
simibir to that of Connecticut. From various sources, it has 
accumulated a fund, the income of which is to be applied an- 
nually to the support of common schools. This fund, in 1820, 
amounted to 1,215,000 dollars. Since that year, all the un- 
sold and unanpropriated lands, which, when disposed of, will 
probably produce about one million more, have been perma- 
nently devoted to the same object. The annual interest of 
this fund is distributed, according to population, among the 
several townships, on their raising, for the same purpose, an 
additional sum equal to that which they receive from the state. 
In 1821, three hundred and thirty-three thousand children were 
taught, in the several district schools ; a number nearly equa' 
to that of all the children in the state between five and fifteen 
years of age. In 1823, the number taught was 400,000. 

44. Virginia has also a literary fund, the interest of a part 
of wliich is appropriated to the support of common schools. 



APPKNHIX. 293 

This fund is of recent origin, and its income is yet small. 
The advantages of education are, however, so highly appreci- 
ated in that state, by its enlightened citizens, tliat most of the 
rising generation are instructed in private schools, or by do- 
mestic teachers. The same remark will apply to most of the 
middle and southern states; yet, in these, too many of the 
children of the poor will remain in ignorance until effectual 
provision is made, by the respective governments, for the in- 
struction of all. 

45. The national government has not been unmindful of (he 
importance of universal education. Before the adoption of 
the constitution, it acquired, by the cession of the states claim- 
mg it, the property of nearly all the unappropriated land within 
the national boundaries. In offering this land for sale, it haa 
reserved, in every township, one section, comprising 640 acres, 
for the use of .schools. As the population of the new states 
becomes more dense, these lands will constitute a valuable 
and productive fund, and the system of free schools, thus 
planted in the western, will there produce the same benefits 
as in the eastern portion of the union. 

46. Schools of a higher order, to which the name of acade- 
mies has been applied, are numerous in all the states, especially 
in those of New England. Many are incorporated, and some 
possess considerable funds. That at Exeter, in New Hamp- 
shire, holds the highest rank ; its funds amount to 80,000 
dollars ; it has a library containing 700 volumes, and a hand- 
some philosophical apparatus. In these schools are taught 
English grammar, coniposition, history, geography, mathe- 
matics, the Latin and Greek languages. Many young nien 
resort to them to acquire an education superior to that which 
can be obtained at the primary schools, and many to prepare 
themselves to enter some college or university. They are 
principally taught by tho.se who have just received a degree 
m the arts, and who are unable, from tiie want of property, 
to engage immediately in the study of the professions which 
they intend to pursue. 

47. Of colleges and universities there is also a large number 
in tlie United States. The oldest and first in rank is Harvard 
College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 
16.38, only eighteen years after the first settlement of Plymouth. 
It had then a fund of about 5,000 dollars, nearly two thirds of 
which %vas a donation from the Rev. John Harvard, of Charles- 
town. The first degrees were conferred, upon nine young 
gentlemen, in 1642. It has since received many and large 
additions to its funds, principally donations from individuals , 
and, from the exertions of Its learned presidents and profes- 
sors, has, with short intermissions, been constantly advancing 
m reputation, and increasing in usefulness. The library con- 
tains about twenty-five thousand volumes. In 1824, the fac- 
ulty consisted of a president and twenty professors ; the num- 
ber of students was 222, and of the resident graduates 146, 

48. Yale College was founded in 1700, and incorporated in 

25* 



Sl)4 APPEiNDlX. 

1701. It was first established at Saybrook; but. in 1716 
was removed to New Haven, in Connecticut. Elinu Yale, a 
merchant in London, having made to it a donation of more 
than four thousand dollars, its name was, in 1718, changed 
from the Collegiate School, to Yale College. Afterwards 
bishop Berkeley, the celebrated metaphysician, who had re- 
(sided two years in America, presented to it a collection of 
books, consisting of nearly one thousand volumes ; and a farm 
in Newport, the annual rent of which, on a lon^ lease, is two 
iiundrcd and forty bushels of wheat. From the state, and 
from other sources, it has received many liberal donations. 
Its libraries contain about nine thousand volumes. In 1824. 
the faculty consisted of a president and eleven professors, ano 
the number of its students was 349. 

49. In addition to these, there are, in the union, about iiflv 
colleges and universities autiiorized to confer degrees. In all 
«if tiiese ore taught tlte English, Latin, and Greek languages, 
rlictniir,, mathematics, natural philosophy, logic, cheniistry, 
astronomy, history, and geography. In some of them are also 
taught tile Hebrew, oriental, and modern European languages, 
anatomy, surgery, medicine, botany, polite literature, divinity, 
ethics, natural and municipal law, politics, and elocution. 

oO. LiTEKATURK. The remark has often been made, tiiat 
ihe United States liave produced no eminent scholars ; and 
that the national character has not been illustrated by literai-y 
and scientific performances of distinguished merit. This re- 
mark is doubtless just. Compared with those of the old world, 
their writers have not exhibited the same labored polish of 
style, nor their men of science the same perseverance and 
e;dent of investigation. Tiieir liistorians are not equal to 
Hume or Robertson; their poets to Milton or Pope; their 
cliemists to Lavoisier or Davy ; nor their metaphysicians to 
Locke, Berkeley, or Reid. 

51. But this fact implies no deficiency of mental vigor in 
the people. The mind of the nation has received, from cir- 
cumstances, a different direction. Those who are endued 
witir extraordinary talent, whatever may have been tlieir on 
ginal propensities, have been called from the closet to labor in 
the legislative hall, or tire cabinet ; to vindicate the cause or 
deJend the interest of their country abroad ; to dispense jus- 
lice from the bench, or to support and defend, at the bar, the 
claims and the rights of their lellow-citizens. 

52. To perform these duties, certainly not less honorable 
nor less difficult than any thing which the mere scholar can 
iHufi)r)u. a greater variety of talents, and greater intellectual 
1.1 bur, have been required in this than in any other countr}' 
ilere. in co)nparatively a short period, the foundations haA'^e 
been laid, and the superstructures erected, of new political 
institutions. Many governments have been established over 
communities dittering from each other, and from those of 
Europe ; and over these a paramount government, witli ex- 
tensive and important powers For eacli of these coniiuum- 



APPENDIX. 295 

bes, a new system of law has been required, and each govern 
ment has a separate executive, legislative, and judicial depart- 
ment. The population of no country has been called upon to 
supply such a number of legislators, of judges, and of lawyers , 
nor, it ]iiay be added, of instructors of youth. And, while 
their number accounts for the comparative neglect of literature 
and the fme arts, the talents they have displayed sufficiently 
vindicate the republic from the reproach of intellectual inie- 
riority. 

o'.i. But not in these modes alone have the people of these 
states proved, tiiat in original powers of mind they may assert 
an equality, at least, with those of any other nation. None 
has mnde more important discoveries in the useful arts. Eng- 
l;uid boasts of her Arkwright, who invented the spinning 
machine ; of her Worcester, Newcomen, and Watt, by whose 
ingenuity and labors the powers of steam were substituted for 
the uncertain aid of wind and water in moving the machinery 
of manufactorjt's. 

54. America may boast of her Godfrey, whose quadrant 
has been almost as serviceable as the- compass to navigation; 
of her Franklin, who has made our dwellings comfortable 
within, and protected them from the ligiitning of heaven ; of 
her Whitney, whose cotton gin has added to the annual pro- 
duct of that article at least one hundred millions of pounds; 
of her Wbittemore, the inventor of the wonderful machine for 
making cards ;_ of her Perkins, the inventor of the nail rna- 
cliine ; and of her Fulton, who has rendered the power of 
steam subservient to the purposes of navigation. 

55. But the United btates have produced authors who 
would do honor even to any other nation. The style of 
Franklin is perspicuous and pure ; and few men of any ago 
or country have contributed more, by their writings, to en- 
lighten and to benefit mankind. The histories of Marshall, 
Ramsay^ Belknap, Williams, and the Annals of Holmes, are 
works of sterling merit, interesting and instructive. Anrong 
theological writers, Edwards, Hopkins, Dwight, Lathrop, 
Davies, Kollock, and Buckminster, are deservedly eminent. 
And as a novelist. Brown has few equals. 

56. Many of the political writers of this country have dis- 
played great vigor of thought and force of expression. The 
pamphlets and state papers to which the revolutionarv struggle 
pve existence ; tlie numbers of the Federalist ; the ofliciai 
letters of Mr. Jefierson, as secretary of state, and. of the Amer- 
ican mirdsters at Ghent, not only display intellectual powers, 
but possess literary merit, of the highest order. Some of the 
best writers of this republic have not been the authors of 
books. 

57. To the fine arts still less attention has been paid than 
to literature ; but the neglect is to be attributed ratlier to the 
deficiency of patronage than to the want of capacity to excel. 
Benjamin West, a native of Pennsylvania^ presided for many- 
years over the Royal Society, comprising the most eminenl 



5»0 APPENDIX. 

painters of Great Britain. In portrait-paintinff, Copley and 
Stuart have acquired a high reputation ; and in historical 
painting, Trumbull and Alston excel. The United States 
claim only the honor of their birth ; England and Italy that 
of patronizing and instructing them. 

58. Religion. The consequences resulting from the en- 
joyment of religious liberty have been highly favorable. Free 
discussion has enlightened the ignorant, disarmed superstition 
of its dreadful powers, and consigned to oblivion many erro- 
neous and fantastic creeds. Religious oppression and the 
vindictive feelings it arouses are hardly known. Catholics 
and Protestants live together in harmony; and Protestants 
who disagree, employ, in defending their own doctrines, and 
in assailing those of their antagonists, the weapons only of 
reason and eloouence. 

69. In the New England states, the Independents or Con- 
gregational! sts constitute the most numerous denomination : 
in the middle states, the Presbyterians ; and in the southern, 
the Methodists. Baptists, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics, 
are found in all the states ; but in Maryland and Louisiana^ 
tlie Catholics are more numerous than elsewhere. Each of 
these sects has one or more seminaries of learning, in which 
its peculiar doctrines are tauglit, and young men are educated 
for the ministry. Many other sects exist, but reason, less 
tolerant tiian the laws, is gradually diminishing the numoer. 

60. Chakactkr and Manners. Foreigners have asserted 
Uiat the Americans possess no national character. If at any 
period this assertion has been true, it was then no reproach. 
jn its youth, a nation can have no established character. 
The inhabitants of this republic, coming from every quarter 
of the world, speaking many different languages, dispersed 
over a va.st extent of territory, could not imtnediately assimi- 
late and exhibit those few prominent traits, which nations, as 
well as individuals, in their maturity, display. 

61. But the germ of a national character has always existed 
It has grown with our growth, and is gradually throwing into 
the shade those unfavorable and discordant traits^ whicli have 
disfigured and partly concealed it from view. Who, that has 
read the history of these states, has not perceived, in ihe in- 
habitants, an energy of purpose capable of surmounting all 
obstacles ; a spirit of enterprise, that leaves nothing useful 
unattempted ; a proud sense of personal dignity and indepen- 
dence ; a decided preference of utility before show ; and a 
love of knowledge tnat has dispelled ignorance from the land ? 
They may have been too much devoted to the pursuit of gain , 
too much addicted to habits of intemperance ; too niuch in- 
flated with national vanity; bigoted and superstitious: but 
these traits are now less apparent : they are constantly melt- 
ing away, and those more noble appearing in bolder relief 

62. They whose wealth or talents place them in the first 
rank in society, are, in tlieir manners, free from awkward- 
ness, formality, haughtiness, and ostentation ; but they do not 



APPENDIX. 21)7 



display the elegance or refinement of tlie same class in Europe. 
The mass of the people are serious, shrewd, inquisitive, mamy, 



and generally respectful ; but they know little, and practise 
less, of the ceremonies of formal politeness. To foreigners, 
accustomed to the servility of the lower classes in Europe, 
tliey doubtless appear rough and uncou'-tly ; and many 
fashionable tourists may have had their feelings needlessly 
vounded. and their delicacy shocked ; but when respectfully 
treated, they display native politeness and generosity of sen- 
timent. Time will remove the grosser defects ; but may it 
never, by polishing too deeply, impair that strength of charac- 
ter which is essential to the permanence of our repubhcan in- 
stitutions. 

63. A review of the rapid progress of the United States in 
population, wealth and povv^er ; a survey of their present phys 
ical and moral condition; and a comparison of them, in eithe' 
respect, with other nations, cannot fail to give to an American 
citizen an elevated conception of his own country, and to jus- 
tify the loftiest anticipations of the future. 

64. In a period of thirty years, ending with 1820, the popu- 
lation of the republic increased from 3,893,835^^ to 9,642,150; it 
consequently doubles in less tiian twenty-hve years. In 
Great Britain the population does not double in less than 
eighty years ; and in that country the increase is nearly, if not 
quite, as rapid as in any other country in Europe. 

65. The augmentation of wealth and power cannot be so 
easily ascertained. It is the opinion of many, well qualified 
to judge, that it has been still more rapid ; and when tlie in- 
crease oi our exports, wliich in the same period advanced from 
nineteen to sixty-five millions ; Avlien the growth of our cities 
and villages ; the increase of our manufacturing establish- 
ments, of our national and mercantile navy, of our fortifica- 
tions and otlier means of defence ; the extent of our interna] 
improvements; and, beyond all, the extensive territories re- 
claimed from a state of nature and made productive and valu- 
able, are adverted to, that opinion will not appeal* unfounded 
nor extravagant. 

66. Although now inferior to the principal nations of the 
old world, yet but a short period will elapse before the United 
States, should their progress hereafter be the same that it has 
been, will overtake and pass them. Their great natural advan- 
tages will continue to urge them forward. Extensive tracts 
of fertile land yet remain vacant of inhabitants ; the portions 
already settled are capable of supporting a much mr»re numer- 
ous population ; new roads and new canals will give greater 
activity to internal commerce, and open new fields to the un- 
tiring industry and enterprise of man ; and, a small part only 
being required bv the government, nearly the whole annual 
income will be added to the general capital, augmenting it in 
a compound ratio. 

67. 7'hat these splendid anticipations are not the sugges- 



25)8 APPENDIX. 

tions of national vanity, the hiutory of the past siifTiciontly 
proves. Yet tho-ir fulflhiient depends, in a great degree, upon 
the future conduct of the people themselves ; upon their ad- 
herence to tlie principles of their fathers ; upon tJie preserva- 
tion of free political institutions, of industrious, frugal, and 
moral habits j and, above ail, upon the universal diffusion of 
knowledge. 

68. This truth should sink deep m the hearts of the old and 
the young. The citizens of this republic should never forget 
the awful responsibilities resting upon them. They constitute 
the oldest nation on this western hemisphere, the first on the 
list of existing republics. They stand forward, the object oi 
hatred to some, of admiration to many, of wonaer to all ; and 
an impressive example to the people" of every country. To 
them is committed an experiment, successful hitherto, tlie final 
result of which must have a powerful influence upon the des- 
tiny of mankind ; if favorable and happy, the whole civilized 
world will be free ; if adverse, despotism and darkness will 
again overshadow it. May they ever be sensible of the vast 
importance of their example. May they never betray their 
sacred trust. 



QUESTIONS 
HALE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 



CU. Pj?. 
I 7 Was the continent of America known to the ancients ? 
a — What vva3 liie object of the voyages of discovery madd in thfl 
15th century .' 

3 _ wiio was a distinfjuished navigator of that age ? 

4 — Where was he born ? 

5 — What incidents led Jiiin to think that he could reach the East 

Indies by sailing west? 

6 8 To whom did he apply for assistance ? 

7 — Who became his friend and patron i* 

8 — When did he set sail .' From what port ( 

9 — Wliat course did he steer ? 

10 — What phenomenon was first observed during hla voyage .' 

11 9 How did his crews behave ? What did they threateo to do ? 

12 — How did he appease them ? 

13 — When was land discovered ? 

14 10 What otiier islands did he discover and visit? 

15 — How was he received on his return ? 

16 — Who first discovered the continent? When ' 

17 11 Upon what did the English found their claim to theeasteni 

portion of North America ' 

18 — From whom does the continent derive its name 

19 — Who IS suppose<l to have entered the harbor of New York 

20 — What induced Coligni to attempt a settlement in America? 

21 — What was the result? 

29 12 By whom was the second attempt made? When? Where? 

23 — Was it fortunate r 

24 13 On what occasion was the spirit of advent<ire revived ? 

25 — Wlio most encouraged the scheme of colonization ? 

26 14 What companies were formed? 

27 — What territory was granted to each? 

28 — What privileges were secured to the emigranta ? 

29 — When was Quebec settled ? By whom ? 

CHAPTER I. 

30 15 By what company was Virginia settled ? 

31 — How many persons were sent over ? 

32 — What distinguished man was among them? 

33 — Relate the principal events of his life. 

3-1 16 When did the adventurers land ? At what place ? 

35 — Who was elected president ? Who was excluded? 

36 — What was the character of the aboriginal inhabitants? 

37 17 What happened to ca[it;kin Smith ? 

38 — By whom was he preserved from deulh ? 

39 — While absent, to what number had tho settlers been reducein 

40 18 How many came with Newport? 

41 — How did timith employ himself? 



QUESTIOINS. 

42 18 Was he chosen president ? 

43 19 Relate what afterwards occurred ? 

44 — What induced Smith to return to England? 

45 — What was tlie consequence ? 

46 20 Who were successively appointed governors ? 

47 — For what purpose was Pocahontas taken ? 

48 — Wliat is related concerning her? 

49 21 What was the object of Argal'a expedition in 1613.' 

50 — What did he accomplish ? 

51 — What instructions were given by king Jame^? 

52 — When did governor Yeardiy arrive? 

53 — What aid he do which gave joy to the people? 

54 22 In what state was the colony at this period? 

55 23 What misfortune happened to it ? 

5t) — How nuich was the niuuber of settlers reduced.' 
.57 — Did the Virginians depose Harvey? 

58 — What did king Charles do? 

59 — Who succeeded Harvey ? 

GO — Whom did the Virginians favor, the king or parliament 

61 24 What did tlie parliament do? 

62 — What did the Virginians do on the death of Matthews 

63 — Why were the people disaffected? 

64 — Who was the leader of the insurgents? 

65 25 Relate the incidents of the rebellion, 

66 26 What was the conduct of Berkeley towards the rebels? 

67 — V/liat was the population in 11)88? 

68 — How was the colony governed ? 

69 — What course did the representatives pursue in relation toslaveol 

CHAPTER II 

70 26 To what company was Massachusetts granted? 

71 27 When were the first men sent i>ver left ' 

12 — When and why did they return to England ? 

73 — By whom was the coast of Massachusetts surveyed? 

74 — In that age what wasthe maxim ofall ecclesiastics and politlciaHB? 

75 28 What causes induced Mr. Robinson's congregation to remove 

to Holland ? 

76 — To what company did they apply for a grant of land? 
"7 — To what part were they carried ? 

78 — What did they do before leaving the ship? 
7!) _ When did they land? 

80 29 How many perished during the winter? 

81 — What was the settlenjent called ? 
8J — What was the population in 1630? 

S3 — What directed the attention of others to New England? 

eA — What association was formed in 1G27? 

eS — Of what company did they obtain a grant? 

86 — Where did the people they sent out land ? 

87 — What were the jirovisions of the charter they obtained ' 
38 3u Wliat town was next settled? 

89 — What was the first object ot their attention ? 

90 — What number perished before spring? 

91 — At what time was Boston founded ? 

92 31 What distinguished lady fell a victim? 

93 — llov/ many perished before December? 

94 — What was one great object of the puritans? 

95 — What ordinance was passed in 1631 ? 

96 — Were the Indians numerous, at tliat time, in New England? 

97 32 When were representatives first chosen? 



QUESTIONS. 3 

98 *i Who w.is banished from Salem ? For what cause 1 

99 — Wliat ilistinguislied emigrants came in 1635? 

100 — Relate their history. 

101 33 Who were fletaine"d by king Charles.' 

102 — Whatwas the cause of the first war with the Indians' 

103 34 With what tribe was it carried on ? 

104 — Which party was victorious? 

105 3£ Wha-t cause put a stop to emigration? 

lOti — In what year did the colonies form a league .-' 

107 36 What is said concerning the representatives and assistants? 

108 — Which did New England favor, tlie king or parliament r 

109 — What propositions did Cromwell -nake to Ihe colonies'' 

110 — When was New Hampshire incorporated with Massachusetts? 

When was Maine? 

111 37 'What law was made against Quakers? 

Ihi — What distill guiiihed individuals came to New England about 
tilts time? 

113 — How were they received ? Where did they reside? 

114 o9 What law was enacted liy England in 1(363? 

115 — What measure was adopted by the king in 1G64? 

116 — What was the conduct of the commissioners? 

117 40 How many towns and inhabitants did New England contain 

at the end of 50 years from the settlement of riymouth ? 

118 — What were the causes of Philip's war? 

119 41 Where were the lirst acts of hostility committed? 

120 — Did the colonists sufler much injury' from the savages? 

121 — In what inanner was the war carried on? 

122 42 What was the result i.f the great battle fought December 18? 

123 — What feelings did Philip exhibit? 

124 — What was iiis fate? 

125 43 What losses were sustained in this war? 

120 — When was New Hanipshi.'-e made a separate coionj' 

127 — For what purpose was Edwaid Randolph sent ov'Jt' 

128 — What was done in relation to Ihe charter? 

129 44 What was the character and conduct of Andross? 

130 — How did the people treat Andross and his adherents? 

131 45 What was the result of the expedition to Canada ? 

132 — How did Massachusetts pay her troops ? 

133 — What were the provisions of the new charter? 

134 — Who was the first governor under the new charter? 

135 — What distinguished the commencement of his administlVltion? 

136 46 What causes produced the delusion? 

137 — How many charged with witclicrall were executed ' 

138 47 What law was passed at the tirst session? 

139 — What war existed at this period? 

140 — When was Deerfield attacked ? 

141 — How many were killed and made prisoners? 

142 48 Who were among tlie prisoners? 

143 — How 'vere they treated ? 

144 — What was the Indian mode of warfare? 

145 — What expeilition was fitted out in 1707? 

146 — What in i7I0 ? What was accomplished ? 

147 — What expedition was fitted out in 1711 ? 

148 49 What misfortune occurred to the fleet? 

149 — What was the event of the expedition? 

150 — When was peace concluded? 

151 — What was the effect of this war upon New England 

152 — Who was appc>inted go\'eriior in 1716? 

153 50 What question agitated the poople when he arnrs 

154 — Whit act of his displeased the assembly ? 

26 



4 QUESTIONS. 

Oa. P£. 

155 S) Whose condact did the people approve ? 

156 — What vote was passed respecting the goTernor's saltuy ? 

157 — What instructions did the king give? 

158 — Did the assembly comply? 

159 — What steps did the governor take? 

160 51 Who was the next governor ? 

101 — What took place between him and the asMmbly ? 

162 — How was the controversy suspended ? 

163 52 Who succeeded governor Burnett ? 

164 — How was the long controvt-rsy terminated' 

165 — Who was appointed governor in 1740? 

166 — What event occurred in 1744? 

167 — From what port were privateers fitted out? 

168 — What expedition was concerted in 1745? 

169 — By whom was it proposed ? 

170 53 Did the General Court in the end agree to it? 

171 — What colonies furnished assistance ? 

172 — What naval force co-operated ? 

173 54 What fortunate events occurred ? 

174 — What was the result of the expedition ? 

175 55 What measure did France adopt the next summer? 

176 — At what time was peace concluded ? 

177 — What were the terms of this peace ? 

178 — What became of the bills of credit' 

CHAPTER III. 

179 55 Which was the parent of the New England colonies? 

180 — To whom were the first grants made in New Hampsblre .' 

181 5f) When were the first settlements made ? Where ? 

182 — When was the first house built at Portsmouth ? 

183 — Of whom did Wheelright purchase land? 

184 — What town did he found ? 

185 — When was civil government established in Dover, Portsmouth 

and Exeter? 
136 _ What steps did these towns take in 1641 ? 

187 — Of whom did the emigrants purchase lands? 

188 — What settlements suffered in Philip's war? 

189 — When was New Hampshire made a separate province ? 

190 — What law was passed in 1680 ? 

191 57 What disputes arose on the arrival of Mason? 

192 — Wiio was appointed governor after Andross was deposed? 

193 _ Did this colony suffer much from Indian wars? 
J94 — What town was surprised in 1689? 

195 — Give an account of that event. 

196 58 In what year was Londonderry settled? By whom? 

197 — What did they introduce? 

198 59 Why did J. T. Mason claim the lands of hia ancestors? 

199 — To whom did he convey them ? 

iiO — What did they do to silence opposition ? 
«01 — How were the Masonian lands granted? 

CHAPTER IV. 

202 59 To whom was Connecticut first granted ? 

203 — How far westward did the grant extend? 

204 — By whom was a fort erected at Hartford? 

205 — By whom was a trading house erected at Windsor? 

206 60 By whom were Weatherslield and Windsor settled ? 

207 — For what purpose did Winthrop come from EnRlaud? 



QUESTIONS. 5 

Cli.Pf 

908 eo Did the Dutch attempt to molest him ? 

209 — What persons laid the foundation of Hartford ? 

210 — Whose authority did the tirst emigrants ackaow edge P 

211 — When did the freemen form a constitution r 

212 — State the substance of tliis constitution. 

913 61 By whom was Saybroolc settled ? Whence the name i 

214 — What did Fenwicli transfer to the General Court ? 

215 — By what persons was New Haven founded? 

216 — Was it a distinct colony ? 

217 — By what laws were the'y first governed ? 

218 62 VVith whom had both colonies disputes? 

219 — How was partition made in l(i50? 

220 — Did the Dutch continue friendly? 

221 — What did Connecticut propose to the confederacy? 

222 — What was the conduct of Massachusetts ? 

223 63 What did Cromwell do? 

224 — Did the inhabitants obtain a charter? 

225 — What territory did it comprehend ? 

226 — Did New Haven willingly consent to a unioo ; 

227 — When were the two colonies united? 

223 64 W^hat circumstances occurred when Andross demanded and 
charter ? 

229 — Did Connecticut retain her charter? 

230 65 What demand did Fletcher make of Coanecticut? 

231 — How was he treated ? 

232 — When was Yale College founded? 

233 — When was Saybrook platform adopted ? 

234 — What did this platform relate to ? 

235 66 What cause tended to preserve the peace of CoQDectlcut? 

.«APTER V. 

t36 66 When was Rhode Island settled ? By whom ? 

237 — Why was he banished from Massachusetts? 

238 — What did he call the place where he settled ? 

239 — What regulations did he adopt? 

240 — Who repaired to Rhode Island in IfvJS ? 

241 67 Did Rhode Island apply to be admitted into the league 

242 — What was the decision of the commissioners 

243 — Did Rhode Island consent to the terms? 

244 — When was the tirst general assembly held ? 

245 — When did the colony obtain a charter ? 

246 — What were the provisions of this charter? 

247 — What law was passed relative to the duakers? 

948 — What secured the colony exemption from Indian hostility ? 

249 — What was the population in 1730 ? In 1701 ? 

250 — When was Brown university founded? 

CHAPTER VI 

251 68 By whom was New York discovered ? When ? 

252 — In what service did Hudson sail? 

253 — By whom and when was a fort erected near Albany, and 

trading housei at New York? 
854 — What was Albany then called ? What was New York ? 

255 — What event occurred soon after? 

256 — When and where was fort Amsterdam erected ? 

257 — To what company did the republic of Hoilaud make a grant? 

258 — How far did the grant extend? 

959 — What was the territory called ? — 

9C0 — Where did the Dutch erect forts In 1623? 



6 QUESTIONS. 

2(51 68 With whom did this produce quarrels? 

262 — When did war break out between the Dutch and Indians? 

2G3 C9 Who coiiiinuided the Dutch troops? 

2tvl- — In wliat plate was a battle fought ' 

2(15 — Who nureed on a line of partition between the Dutch ana 

English ? 
2'ib — To whom did tlie king of England grant New York ? 
2i.7 — What measure was thereupon taken? 
- 2(;8 — Did the expedition sent out succeed? 
2f'i9 — What names were changed ? 

270 — 'tVho assumed tiie government of the country ? 

271 — W'heii was New York made a ci*y? 

272 7(1 VViial event happened in l(i73? 

:^7.J — How long did the Dutch retain possession? 
27 J — VVJioMi did the duke of York api)oiut governor ? 
27.') — To what religious eecl did botli belong? 
27(i — VVhf.n was the first assemlily held ? 

277 — By what people was the interior of New York inhabited f 

278 — Of whom were they the allies ? 
27'J — Who led an army against them ? 
2S0 71 What was he obliged to do? 

281 — What Indian chief addressed the French governor? 
2t2 — Recite his speech. 

283 72 What effect had this speech on the French governor? 

284 — Why was the duke of York disliked when he became king? 

285 — What encouraged the disaffected ? 

28o 73 What measures did Leisier and Mil borne undertake? 

287 — What did Bayard and Courtlandt do? 

288 — Wliat authority did Lei.-Ior assume ? Wliv ? 

289 74 Wiiat did Milbonie effect? 

290 — What parties were despatched against the English ? 

291 — Describe the attack of Schenectady. 

292 75 What was done to avenge these barbarities? 

293 — To what was the failure of the expedition attributed- 

294 — Wliom did king William appoint governor ' 

295 — What was the character of this governor? 

296 — What sentence was passed on Leisler and Milborne? 

297 76 ^Vhat was their fate? 

298 — By whom were the French settlements attacked? 

299 — Who was appointed governor in 1692? 

300 — What object was he desirous of effecting? 

301 — What took place in consequence of his recommendation? 

302 77 When was the earl of Bellamont appointed governor? 

303 — In what njeasure did he engage? 

304 — Relate the conduct and fate of captain Kid. 

305 — Into what parties were tlie people divided ? 

306 — When was lord Cornbury appointed governor? 

307 — What were his parentage and character? 

308 — In what manner did he behave? 

309 78 What followed his removal from office? 

310 — What resolution was passed? 

311 — In what year did governor Hunter arrive? 

312 — What people came with him? 

313 — What is the character of their descendants? 

314 — Wiiat dispute arose between the house and council ? 

315 — What enterprise was projected in 1709? In 1711? 

316 79 What was the result of the latter? 

317 — Did the peojile justify their representatives? 

318 — Stale the progress and termination of the dispute between thJ 

house and council. 
'ill} __. Who succeeded governor Hunter? 



QUESTIONS. 7 

Qi. Pg. 

320 79 What projects had the French tlien in view .' 

321 — Whut did governor Burnet do to defeat it? 

322 80 When was the assembly, elected in 1716, dissolved? 

323 — What fort did the French erect vvliile Van Dam was governor? 

324 — Who succeeded Van Dam ? 

325 — What prosecution was instigated by governor Cosby ? 
226 - Wliat honor was conferred on one of his defenders? 

327 — Wlien was Clark appointed lieutenant-governor? 

328 81 What dispute was revived between him and the Assembly? - 

329 — Which party was triumpliant at tiie next election? 

330 — Recite tiie address of the house to tlie governor 

331 — What did he say in his next speech? 

332 82 What resolve did the house pass? 

333 — What plot was supposed to be concerted al)0ut this time ' 

334 — What was the supposed object of the plot? 

335 — How many were burned ? Hung? Transported? 

336 83 What did Clark allude to in his speech ? 

337 — When was George Clinton appointed governor? 

338 — What happened in 1745? 

339 — When did peace take place ? 

CHAPTER vrr. 

340 84 By whom was New Jersey settled ? When ? Wher» 

341 — When and where did the Swedes and Finns settle? 

342 — Wliat happened in 1655? 

343 — What territory did the Dutch possess ? 

344 — flow was it taken from them ? , 

345 85 To whom was it conveyed? 

346 — To whom did the duke convey New Jersey? 

347 — Why was it so called ? 

348 — Who was the first governor ? 

349 — What was the origin of the disputes that arose '' 

350 — Did the people revolt ? Did they subtnit ? 

351 — To whom did Berkeley di»)pose of his right? 

352 — Who were appointed trustees to sell it? 

353 — Wliat partition was agreed on ? 

354 — Was a new patent granted to the duke ? 

355 86 On what did Andross insist? 
:«6 — What did he do ? 

357 — Recite the address to the ccunmissioners. 

358 — What was their decision ? 

359 87 To whom was East Jersey transferred in 1682.'' 

360 — Who was appointed governor over it ? ^ 

361 — By whom were the Jerseys reunited ? 

362 — VVhen was Princeton College founded? 

363 — What was then tlie number of inliabitants'' 

CHAPTER VIII. 

364 87 By whom was Delaware first settled ? 

365 83 What did they call the country? 

366 — Wliere did they scat themselves? 

367 — Whv and wlier*- did tliey build forts? 

368 — Where did the Dutch build a fort ? 

369 — In what manner did the Swedes gain possession of Iti 

370 — What course did jiovernor Stujvesant pursue? 

371 — How long did tlie Dutch retain possession? 

372 — What jiurchases did William Penn make? 

873 — What name was given to the tracts purchased? 
2G* 



8 QljiSTIONS. 

Q». Pg. 

374 88 To what colony were they united .' 

375 — When did a separation take place ' 

CHAPTER IX. 

37G 89 Who was tlie founder of Pentisylvania? 

377 — To what religious sect did tse belong? 

378 — Why was the country granted to him? 

379 — At what price was land sold ? 

380 — At what rale was it rented ? 

381 — In what year did the settlers leave England f 

382 v)0 What position did they select for a settlement? 

383 — What was the object of Penn's frame of government r 

384 — What peo()!e, and howmany, did hefind upon the "territories"/ 

385 — Where was the hrst assembly held ? 

386 — What city did Penn found ? 

387 91 For wliat cjualities are the Pennsylvanlans distinguished? 

388 — What party did Penn adhere to at the time of the English reva- 

lutiou ? 

389 — How was he treal«^d? 

390 92 Did he regain the favor of the king? 

391 — When did he again visit Pennsylvania? 

392 — What took !)lace in 1701 ? 

393 — Ilovv was the executive authority afterwards administered? 

394 — What caused the most irritation? 

395 — Did the colony prosper? 

396 — What took place at the commencement of the revolution' 

397 — What sum was paid in discharge of quit-rents' 

CHAPTER X. 

S98 93 By whom v.'as Maryl.i.ul'founded ? 

399 — To what religious sect did he belong? 

400 — After whom was the colony named? 

401 — Wiio \\as appointed tlie hrst governor? 

402 — W^hen did the first settlers arrive? Where? 

403 — What laud did they purchase ? 

404 — What circuuistauciis favored the rapid population ot t!ie colony • 

405 94 When and how was a house of assembly formed? 
40G — What alteration was made in hioO ' 

407 — What fact is honorable to lord Baltimore and his associates' 

408 — What disturbance was produced ? By whom? 

409 95 W hat was the result of Uie disturbances? 

410 — What ordinance was passed by the victorious party ? 

411 — AV^iat was the number of inhabitants in 1660? 

412 — When did lard Haltimore die? 

413 — What was his character? 

414 — What occurred in 1689? 

415 96 What directions did king William give? 

416 — When was the proprie'.or restored to his rights? 

417 — What occurred at the commencement of the revolutioo:* 

CHAPTER XI. 

418 96 What, territory was granted, in 1630, to sir Robert Heath? 

419 — By what persona was a settlement formed north of Albemarle 

sound ? 
420— What settlement was made in 1661 ? Bv whom? 
421 97 What grant was made lu ICti3? 
422 — What assurances were given to emigrants? 



QUESTIONS. 

423 97 Who prepored a constitution for tlie colony ? 

424 — What wee the provisions of this constitution? 

425 — Was it acceptable to the inhabitants? 

426 — What settlenieiil was made in 1670? 

427 — Tn which of the Carolinas, as now divided, was it made.'' 

408 98 What was llie character and conduct of Seth Sotliel ? 

409 — Wlien was the coustitiilion of Locive abrogated ? 
430 — JIow were the two provinces afterwards governed ' 
4:i] — What eniigr.-.nts came in 1707? In 1710 ? 

4:,i:i — What calamity lell upon them? 

433 99 Whither did the Tuscaroras emigrate? 

434 — What proceedings took place in 1729? 

435 — In wiiat part of North Carolina did the settlements increas 

most rapidly ? 

CHAPTER XII. 

4.36 100 When was tlie first settlement made at Port Royal 

437 — When was old Charleston founded ? 

438 — When did the freemen elect representatives? 

439 — When did they meet to elect them? 

440 — Whence did rmifjrants come ? 

441 — When was the present city of Cliarleston founded? 

412 — What did the proprietors direct in regard to the French Fret- 
estunts ? 

443 — Was opposition made? r>y whom? 

444 101 What did these Protestants do? 

145 — Whv was John Archdale sent over? 

446 — What did he effect? 

447 — What did Granville and Rloore attempt? 

448 — What law was passed ? 

449 102 What v/as the conauct of the lords and the queen? 

450 — What expeditions were undertaken in 1709? 

451 — What occurred in 1700 ? Wiiat in 1715 ? 

452 103 What sufferings were occasioned by the war with the Indians? 

453 — VV'hat measure did the assembly adopt? 

454 — What emigrants were induced to come? 

455 — What was their fate ? 

456 104 What occurred in 1719? 

457 — How was the government afterwards administered? 

458 — What occurred in 1738? 

459 105 Was the insurrection quelled ? 

460 — From what countries did emigrants come ? 

CHAPTER XIII. 

461 105 Where is Geoigia situated? 

462 — What project was concerted in 1732:' 

463 — To whom was (Jeorgia granted ? 

464 106 Wliat regulations di(l the Trustees provtue.' 

465 — When did tlie first emigrants embark? 

466 — Who was placed at their head ? 

407 — What was. the ciuiduct of the Carolinians'* 

4f)8 — How many emigrants came the next year? 

469 — What was the character of these emigrants? 

470 — What offer was made to induce a different class to emtgrate ? 
ill — Where did the Germans settle ? Where the Scotch? 

472 — Who made a visit to Georgia in 1736? 

473 — What was his object ? 

474 — Whu camo two years afterwards ? 



to QUESTIONS 

a». Pg. 

475 107 In 1740, how many emigrants had arrived ? 

476 — What was the amount of benefactions ? 

477 — What expedition did general Oglethorpe undertake 

478 — Was it successful ? 

479 — What afterwarda occurred ? 

480 108 What event occurred when Oglethorpe waa marchl ng to at^ 

tack the Spaniards .' 

481 — What expedient did he devise? 

482 109 How did the invasion end ? 

483 110 What occurred in 1754? 

484 — What products were cultivated ? 

CHAPTER XIV. 

485 110 In wliat year was the treaty between France and England 

concluded, which restored tranquillity to America? 

486 — What was the number of inhabitants in the thirteen colonies 

at that period ? 

487 — Where were the English settlements? Where the French? 

488 — What design had the French in view ? 

489 — What did the company of English traders do? 

490 — What was the conduct of the French ? 

491 111 Whom did governor Dinwiddle send as messenger to th« 

French commander? 

492 — What course did governor Dinwiddle take on receiving tb* 

answer ? 

493 — AVhal was the result of Washington's expedition ? 

494 — When was the Albany plan of union formed •' 

495 — What did this plan provide ? 

496 112 Why was it rejected in England ? Why in America? 

497 — What expeditions were resolved upon in 1755? 

498 — Relate the object and result of the expedition to Nova Scotia. 

499 — Who commanded the expedition against fort Du Cluesne ' 

500 113 What was the result of the expedition? 

501 114 Who commanded the expedition against Niagara? 

502 — Was he successful ? 

503 115 WJio commanded tlie expedition against Crown Point' 

504 — Relate what happened to this expedition. 

505 116 Was it abandoned? 

606 — What expeditions were proposed the next year? 

507 — Why was iMassacluiselts disgusted ? How appeased? 

508 117 Who was appointed to succeed Shirley ? 

509 — Had war been declared between France and England ? 

510 — Who was appointed commanderm-chief? 

511 — What post did general Montcalm take? 

,512 118 What had been accomplished in this campaign ? 

513 — To what did the ministry direct the attention of lord Loudon ? 

514 — Did he effect the object? 

515 119 With what force did Montcalm besiege fortWil/iam Henry? 
510 — Where is that fort situated? 

517 — Who was sent to command it ? 

518 — Relate the circumstances and result of the siege. 

519 120 Wnat etiect had these disasters upon the British nation? 

520 — Whom did the king appouit piimf minister? 

521 — What expeditions were deterniined on for the next campaign ? 

522 121 Who command<!d that against Louisburg? 

523 — Who served under him? 

624 — How did the siege terminate? 

52.^ — What was liie result of the attack on Ticonderoga? 

626 — What fori did colonel Eradslreet capture? 

Sa? 122 Who eommuuded iLe axpediiion aguiuiit Du Cluesne? 



QUESTIONS. 11 

«•. P/. 

528 122 What disaster occurred to it ? 
699 — Was it successful ? 

530 — Where was the fort situattMi.-" 

531 — What was the i)lan of the next campaign? 

532 — What was the event of the expedition against Niagara 

533 123 What success did general Anilierst meet with ? 

534 — Who commanded the expedition ajjaiiisi Quebec? 

535 — What was the condition of tliat place ? 

536 — Whi^n and where did Wolfe land his army-" 

537 — Where does Quebec stand ? 

538 124 Where did a battle take place? What the event ? 

539 — What plan did Wolfe then form ? 

540 125 In what manner did he gain the heights of Abraham ? 

541 — What did Montcalm then do? 

542 — What was the fate of Wolfe ? Of Montcalm ? 

543 126 What was the consequence of the battle? 
514 — When was peace concluded? 

545 — What did France cede to Great Britain ^ 

CHAPTER XV 

646 126 How much was added to the debt of England, in the late war? 

547 — Whence did her legislators seek assistance? 

548 127 What relation was supposed to exist between the mother coun- 

try and her colonies? 

549 — What restrictiorvs had Great Britain imposed ? 

550 — What law was enacted in 1764? 

551 — What resolution was proposed ? 

552 — In what courts were penalties to be recovered ? 

553 — What measures did the colonies adopt ? 

554 128 Recite tiie 8th and 9th sections. 

555 129 When was the stamp-act proposed? 

556 — What language was used in supporting it? 

558 — Recite Col. Harre's speech. 

559 130 Did tiie bill pass? 

559 — What took place in Virginia when the news arrived? 

560 131 What resolve was passed in Massachusetts? 

561 — What was the name of the associations formed in NewEngland? 

562 — What occurred in Boston? What in Newport? 

563 132 How did the citizens of New York conduct? 

564 — What title did they give to the stamp-act? 

565 — When did the Congress assemble? 

566 — What were the proceedings of this Congress? 

567 — What agreements were adopted ? 

568 133 What was proposed in the British parliament? 

569 — What did Mr. Grenville say? 

570 — Recite William I'itt's speech. 

571 134 What were the proceedings of parliament? 

572 135 Why were the people of New England and New York stil 

dissatisfied ? 

573 — For what cause was the assembly of New York suspended ' 

574 — What measure Avas adopted in June, 1767? 

575 — What course did the General Court of Massachusetts pursue? 

576 — How were they punished? 

577 — What measu.'es were then adopted in Massachusetts? 

578 136 What step was taken by general Gage? 

579 137 State what resolutions had been adopted in parliament. 

580 — What resolutions v.ere adopted in Virginia? 

581 — What did the governor do? 
6t2 — What then ensued? 



12 QUESTIOIV'S. 

683 137 State what occurred in State-street, Boston. . '• 

584 138 To what place were the troops removed? ii ^, , 

585 — What trials took phice? • ^-'^■ 
686 — Who clefendod the accused? 2'* 

587 — Were they convicted? ' 

588 139 What measure did parliament ado[(t? 

589 — What alteration was made in the nun-ih^porlalion agreemcnta? 

CHAPTER XVI. 

590 139 What causes contributed to increase the discoRtent wbicb 

previously existed in Massachiisetts? 
691 140 By whom were committees of correspondence recommended? 
599 — What was the object and what the effect of them? 

593 — What letters did Dr. Franklin obtain and send over? 

594 — What effect did these letters have ? 

595 — What measure did the East India Company adopt? 

596 — What was done in Pliiladeljiiiia and New York ? 

597 141 What was the state of public feelin<; in Boston? 

598 — What resolution was adopted by the citizens? 

599 — What proceedings followed ? 
COO — Recite Josiah Quincy's speech. 

601 142 What was done with the tea? 

602 — What acts were passed by parliament ? 

603 143 How was the first day of June observed in Virginia? 

604 — What spirit was displayed by the citizens of Salem ? 

605 — Whatwas recommendedbytheGeneral Court of Massachusetts? 

606 144 When did the delej^ates meet? 

607 — \Wat resolutions did they adopt ? 

608 — What effect had their proceedings on public sentiment abroad ? 

609 145 Recite Mr. Pitt's speech. 

610 — By what names were the Americans distinguished? 

611 146 What measures did governor Gage adopt? 
619 — When did a provincial Congress meet? 

613 — What conciliatory propositifjn was adopted in parliament? 

614 — Did the Americans accept it? 

6i.'i 147 When did the battle of Lexington take place? 

616 148 What was the result? What the effect? 

617 — » What expedition was {u-ojected in Connecticut? 

618 149 Bv whom was it executed? 

619 — What posts were taken ? 

620 — What British generals arrived in June? 

621 — Vvhat proclamation was issued ? 

(i22 150 Why did the provincials resolve to occupy Bunker Hill ? 

623 — Who commanded the provincial troops ? 

624 — On what day was the battle fought? 

625 151 Relate the principal events of the battle. 

626 152 How many Americans were killed and wounded? 

627 — How many lirilish ? 

628 — Did the result dispirit the Americans? 

629 — What eminent man was killed ? 

630 -- What measures were adopted by the continental Congrcto i 

631 — Who was chosen commander-in-chief? 

632 153 What other officers were chosen? 

633 — What mode was adopted to defray expenses? 

634 — What declaration was issued ? 
6-35 — Recite the extracts inserted. 

636 154 To what place did Washington repair .- 

637 — How numerous did lie tiud the army ? 

638 155 What occurred in Virginia ? 



QUESTIONS. 13 



%: 



f55 What In North Carolina? 
C40 . '.6 What in South Carolina? What In Georgia? 
f.4' — What in New York? Who was made governor there? 
j: — Wliat resolution, referring to him, was passeil hy Congress? 
64.'-. — What was done and projected in 1775? 

644 157 What was done in New Hampshire ? 

645 — What transactions occurred in October? 

646 158 How was tlie new army to be raised ? 

647 — How many enlisted ? 

648 — Wliat worka were erected in March ? 

649 159 What did general Howe attempt? 

650 — Failing in this, what did he then determine ? 

651 — Wlien was Bostnn evacuated ? 

652 — To what place did the American army proceed ? 

653 — Whither did the British fleet steer ? 

CHAPTER XVII. 

654 159 How many expeditions were despatched against Canada? 

655 — What did governor Caileton do ? 
G56 IGO Who proceeded in advance ? Why? 

657 — On whom did the chief command devolve? 

658 — What did colonels Allen and Crown attempt? 

659 — What was the fate of Allen ? 

660 161 What fortunate event occurred in October 

661 — What other victory was achieved ? 

662 — When was St. John's surrendered ? 

663 — To what place did Montgomery then repair 

664 1G2 With how many men did he begin his marcn to Quebec. 

665 — Who commanded the other expeditior. 

666 — How many did it consist of? 

667 — Describe their route. 

668 — Were their sufferings great? 

669 163 When did they arrive at the French settlements ? 

670 — When did he cross tlie river? 

671 — Where did he encamp ? 

672 — When did Montgomery arrive ? 

673 — To what did their united force amount? 

674 164 How strong were the enemy : 

675 — What did tiie general first determine.' 

676 — What disease broke out in the camp? 

677 — What was proposed and resolved upon? 

678 165 When was the city assaulted ? 
C79 — What disastrous event occurred ? 

680 — What happened to Arnold? 

681 — Who assuuied the command ? 

682 166 How did the attack terminate? 

683 — What was the amount of the American loss? 

684 — Where was Moiitgouiery's monument placed ' 

685 167 How far from the city did Arnoia encamp ' 

C8G — When did general Thomas arrive from Roibury f 

687 — What was then ao:ve ? 

688 — To what place did llie Americana retreat? 

689 108 What occurred at the Cedars? 

690 — Who sU'-xeeded general Thomas? 

691 — Of iiow many did his army consist? 

692 — How inrons was the enemy ? 

693 — Wlierc did .'-'ulliviiuiialt; 



14 QUESTIONS. 

CHAPTER XVni. 
CU. Pg. 

694 169 What reply was made when the last petition was presented to 

the king? 

695 — What treaties were made with German princes? 

696 — What expedition was despatched in 177H? 

697 — Wlio was appointed commander of the British naval forces? 

698 — Wliat preparations were made at Charleston ? 

699 170 Relate what occurred in the attack on Sullivan's Island. 

700 — What was the eflect of this battls ? 

701 171 What able pamphlet was published at this time ? 

702 172 Who proposed, in Ooiif;ress, a declaratton of independence ? 

703 — Who seconded the motion? 

701 — Who were thecommitee appointed to prepare it? 

705 — On what day was it adopted ? 

706 — Recite the 17th section. 

707 173 What was done at New York? 

708 — How was tlie American army posted? 

709 — Where did tiie British troops first land? 

710 — How were the two armies posted on Long Island ' 
?11 174 Describe the battle which took place. 

712 — Which sained the victory? 

713 — Whilhe'r did Washiniifton retreat? 

714 175 Where did he take post in September? 

715 — What did tlie enemy then do? 

716 — Wliat calamity happened to the citj* 

717 — What plan ofwarfare did Washington adopt. 

718 — To what place did he next repair? 

719 — What was the result of the battle there fough 

720 — What fort was attacked ? 

721 — Where was it situated? 

722 176 Which gained the victory? 

723 — What then followed ? 

724 — What proclamation was issuea 

725 177 To what place did Congress remove 

726 — With what power did they invest Washington 

727 — What happened to general I-ee ? 

728 _ What was the behavior of the British? 
72«J — What brilliant victory was achieved ? 

730 178 What other exploit was performed ' 

731 — Who was among the wounded? 

732 — What followed? • 

733 — What eflect had these victories ? 

CHAPTER XIX 

734 179 What spirit did Congress exhibit: 

735 — What measures did they take ? 

73(5 _ Who were sent commissioners to France : 

737 — What did the French ministry permit? 

738 — Of what value were the prizes made by American privateers 

739 180 What distinguished Frenchman-joined the Americans? 

740 — What appointment did he receive? 

741 _ How were the American prisoners treated ? 

742 181 To what place did Howe transport his troopa? 

743 — Whither did Washington march? 

744 — Which gained the victory at Brandy wine creek? 

745 — What olhcer was wounded? 

74G _ To what place did Washington eventually retreat «* 
747 -- When did Howe enter FhiludeJi'tiiaf' 



QUESTIONS. 15 

748 182 Wliat was the result of the battle on lake Cliamplaln ' 

749 _ What expedition was concerted in the winter ? 

750 — By whom was it to be commanded ? 

751 _ What American commanded the northern department 
7rQ 183 To what place did Riirgoyne despatch St. Leger? 

753 _ \Vhen did he appear before Ticonderoga? 

754 _ What was the number of his army ? 
75.'> — Wlien vvas Ticonderoga evacuated ? 

75f5 _ To what place did the Americans eventually retre.it.' 

757 _ What intelligence was received from St. Leger.^ 

756 184 What was the effect of the American proclamation? 

759 _ Whither did Burgoyne despatch Baum? 

71,0 -_ Who commanded the American mditia? 

761 — Which gained tne victory on the llith of August .' 

7(;2 — Wnat occurred afterwards.' 

7()3 — What was the etfecl of the victory at Bennington .' 

/'G4 185 What vvas the fate of St. Leger's expedition.' 

765 — Who were appointed to command the American army: 

7GG — Describe the first battle of Stillwater. 

7(J7 186 Describe the secimd. 

7(78 — What was done by general Vaughan ? 

7()9 — To what place did Burgovne retreat? 

770 187 When did he surrender? 

771 188 Describe the battle of Germantown. [M fflin 

772 — State the result of the assault upon Red Bank and upon fort 

773 — Where did Washington's army pass the winter? 

CHAPTER XX. 

774 189 When was the Confederation adopted ? 

775 — Wi;at powers did it confer on Congress? 

776 — What right did the states reserve? 

777 — Who was appointed insjtector-general ? 

778 190 Wliat treaties were made with France? 

779 — What act was passed by the British parliament? [Reed 

780 — Slate what took place between the commissioners and Joseph 

781 — What course did Great Britain pursue? 

78Q 191 When did the British army quit Philadelphia? 

783 — Did a battle lake place soon after? Where? 

784 — Who commanded the Americans? 

785 — What was the result of the battle ? 
78!i — What charges were made against Lee 
"^87 — What was his sentence? 

788 192 What assistance arrived from France? 

789 — VV^hat enterprise was then projected? 
''OO — Who commanded the American troops? 

791 — What occurred at sea? 

792 — What was Sullivan compelled to do? 

793 193 What towns were attacked and ravaged 

794 — Relate what occurred at Tappan. 

795 — IJow and where did Washington's army ptss the winter? 

CHAPTER XXI. 

79(1 194 By what was the campaign of 1779 distinguished? 

797 — What expedition sailed from New York? 

798 — What did the enemy effect in Georgia? 

799 — Who took command in the southern department? 

800 — What occurred at Savannah ? 

80J 195 What other expedition sailed from New York I 
27 



16 QUESTIOiNS. 

a«. Fg, 

802 — VVliat did it accomplish ? 

803 — What expedition did Clark undertalse? 

804 — What was his success ? 

805 — W'hat were the purpose and success of Sullivan's expedition 

806 196 What towns were burnt in Connecticut? 

807 — What exploit was performed by general Wayne? 

808 — What naval battle was fought "in September? 

809 197 Where did the northern army pass the winter? 
8J0 — Were their sufferings great ? ' 

811 — How much paper money had been issued? 
8J2 — How much had it deprbciated? 

813 — What new mode was adopted to supply the army i 

CHAPTER XXII. 

814 198 What place did the enemy besiege in the spring? 

815 — Who were the opposing commanders ? 

816 199 What was the event of the siege ? 

817 — What exploit did colonel Tarleton perform ? 

818 — What conduct of general Clinton excited indignation'' 

819 200 What service did Sumpter render? 

820 — Who led an army from the north? 

821 — Describe the battle near ('amden. 
829 201 What occurred at the Catawba ford ? 

823 — What conduct did Cornwallis adopt? 

824 — Who was a successful leader of the patriots .' 

825 — Who was appointed commander of the toriea? 

826 202 Where was he posted ? 

S<V7 — Ky whom was he attai-.ked, and what was the result 

828 — Who was appointed to succeed Gates ' 

829 — Where was the northern army posted ? 

830 — What were their sufferings and condnjct 

831 — What squadron and troops arrived in July? 

832 203 What project was disconcerted ? How? 
633 — What disatTected Arnold? 

834 _ What plot did he meditate ? 

835 — With whom had he an interview ? 

836 — Relate the circumstances of Andre's capture. 

837 204 W!«it was his conduct? What iiis fate? 

838 205 How much did Arnold receive ? 

839 — What occurred at Morrislown? 

840 — What were tiie complaints of tlie soldiers ? 

841 206 How w;i3 the mutiny anpeasetl? 

842 _ What did the states do? 

CHArTER XXIII 

843 206 What project was resumed in the spring of 1781 .» 

844 _ VVhat delayed its accomjilishnienl? 

845 207 VVhat commander fought the battle of the Cowpens? 
840 _ What was the result ? 

847 _ What did Cornwa'Ms attempt? 
t<4B — What occ:3rred on the retreat? 

849 208 »e!icribe the engaeemeni between Lee and the torles. 

850 200 (Jive an account cf the battle al Guilford court-house. 

851 — \Vhere did Greene halt? 

6r)2 — Whither did Cornwallis proceed ? 

H53 _ Which was victorious at llobkirk's hill ? 

854 _ What posts were captured in South Carolina? 

855 210 What wixs the event of the siege of Ninety-Six? 



QUESTIONS. 17 

Qfi. Pg. 

856 2] 1 Describe the battle of Eutaw. 

857 — To what place did Cornwallis repair? 

858 — Whv was he recalled to the sea-board? 

859 212 What post? did he fortify? 

860 — What did Wushiiii^toii determine to do? 

861 — What expedition did Clinton despatch? 

862 — What did it accomplish ? 

803 213 What news did Washington receive at Chester' 
861 — Of how many troops did the allied forces consist? 

865 — When was the cannonade begun ? 

866 214 What occurred during the siege? 

867 — When did Cornwallis surrender? 

868 — What was the number of prisoners? 

869 — What emotions did this victory produce in America? 

870 215 What were the feelings of the British nation? 

871 — What of the Idng ? 

872 — What opinion did the house of commons express ' 

873 — When were pacific overtures made? 

874 — When did hostilities cease ? 

875 — Who were the American ministers ? 

876 216 Who was the British minister? 

877 — When was the definitive treaty signed? 

878 217 Why were the American troops dissatisfied? 

879 — What occurred at Newburgh ? 

880 — When was the army disbanded ? 

881 218 When was New York evacuated ? 

882 — When did Washington resign his commissioD? 
683 — To what place did he retire? 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

884 218 What was the state of the country at the close of the war j 
685 — How much had national securities depreciated ? 

886 — What prevented the prosperity of commerce? 

887 219 What occurred in Massachusetts ? 

888 — What was the result of the meeting at Annapolis? 

889 220 What resolution did Congress adopt? 

890 — When did the convention meet? 

891 — Who was chosen president of it ? 

892 — Did they agree upon a constitution? 

893 — In wliat does this constitution differ from the articles of ttoa- 

federation ? 

894 — What is said of the members of the house ? 

895 — What of the senators ? 

896 — What of the president? 

897 221 What of the vice-president ? 

898 — What is required in passing a law ? 

899 — What powers are conferred on Congress ? 

900 — What is said of the judicial department ? 

GOl — What objections were made to the Constitution ? 

902 222 By what names were its friends and opposers styled? 

903 — By how many states was it ratified ? 

904 — Who was elected first president ? Who vice-president ? 

905 — When was the president inaugurated ? 

906 223 What duties were laid ? 

907 — What departments were established ? 

908 — Who were appointed secretaries? 

909 — What tour did the president make ? 

910 ^24 What did Hamilton recommend' 

911 *- For whit reasons was his recommendation oppoMdt 



13 QUESTIONS. 

Q.. Ps. 

912 254 Was it adopted ? Wliat was the amount of debt funded ;• 

913 225 Why were the duties on distilled spirits proposed."' 

914 — When were they laid ? 

915 — When was tlie bank incorporated/" 

91G — When did North Carolina adopt the constitution ? 
917 — When did Rhode [shind ? 

916 — Where is VernioHt situated? 

919 — By what states had the territory been claimed.-' 

920 — Wliat did the inhabitants do lu 1777 ? 

921 — In what year was Vermont admitted into the Union? 

922 — When was Kentucky admitted .' 

923 226 When was the first census completed ? 
9C4 — What was the number of inhabitants ? 

925 — How many were slaves? 

926 — State the amount of the revenue, imports, and exports 

927 — When was the war with the Creeks terminated ? 

928 — With what tribes did war still exist? 

929 — Wlio commanded the troops sent against them? 

930 — State the circumstances and result of the battle. " 

931 227 Who were next elected ])resident and vice-president? 

932 — What occurred in France, at this period? 

933 228 What were the feelings of tlie Americans and French 

934 — Who was appointed niinister to the United States? 

935 — VVhat authority did he assume? 

936 229 What course did the president take? 

937 — Who was appointed to succeed St. Clair? 

938 230 Was he successful ? 

939 — When and where did he conclude a treaty? 

940 — What produced discontent in Pennsylvania' 

941 — What meeting was held at Pittsburgh? 

942 231 What measure did the president adopt? 

943 — Was the insurrection suppressed? 

944 — What difficulties existed with England? 

945 — When did Mr. Jay conclude a treaty? 

946 232 What appeared to be public sentiment in relation to it? 

947 — Did the president ratify it ? 

948 — What had been the conduct of Spain ? 
9'19 — What did she deny to the western people? 

950 233 When was a treaty with her concluded ? 

951 — What privilege did it secure? 

952 — When was a treaty concluded with Algiers.'' 
9.53 — When did Mr. Jetfnrson resign? 

954 234 When did Hamilton ? When did Knox? 

955 — What was the conduct of Fauchet? 

956 235 Who was appointed minister to France? 

957 — What did France wish ? 

958 — Wliat measures did she adopt? 

959 — Who was appointed minister to France in 1796? 

960 236 What determinatioji did Washington form? 

961 — State the substance of his farewell address 

9n2 — Who were brought forward as candidates for the presldercy? 

963 — Who were chosen president and vice-president? 

CHAPTER XXV. 

964 237 What was the purport of the despatches received from France ? 

965 — What laws were passed ? 

966 — Who were appointed envoys to France ? 
9fi7 — What was the conduct of the Directory ? 
9fi8 S38 What was done by Congress ? 



QUESTIONS. 19 

Qa. Vg. 

9G9 238 Who was appointed to command the anny .' 

970 — What naval battles were fought f 

971 — When was peace concluded? 

972 — When did Washington die? 

973 _ What were the proceedings of the house ? 

974 239 What of the senate ? 

975 240 When did Congress first meet at Washington? 

976 — Who were the candidates for president and vice-president r 

977 — How waa' the clioice made ? 

978 — Who were elected ? 

979 — What causes rendered Mr. Adams unpopular? 

980 241 What was done at the next session of Congress' 

981 — When was the second census taken ? 

982 — What was the number of inhabitants? 

983 — How much had it increased in ten years? 

984 — How much had the exports increased ? 
935 — How much the revenue? 

986 — To what should tins prosperity be attributed ? 

987 — When was Ohio admitted? 

988 — When was the right of deposit at New Orleans prohibited? 

989 — What proposition was made in Congress ? 

990 — What course was adopted ? 

991 242 What was the price paid for Louisiana? 

993 — By whom and when was Louisiana discovered ? 

993 — When ceded to Spain ? 

904 — When retroceded to France? 

995 — What were the inhabitants ? 

996 — What occurred in the harbor of Tripoli? 

^97 — What exploit did lieutenant Decatur perform? 

998 243 What project did general Eaton undertake? 

999 — Itescriite his route. 

JOOO — When did he arrive at Derne? 

1001 244 What ensued at that city ? 

1002 — What arrangement was made? 

1003 — Relate wiiat occurred in New York, in 1804, 

1004 — Who were chosen president and vice-president in 18CM? 

1005 245 Of what was Kurr suspected in 1806." 

1006 — Was he apprehended ? 

1007 — When and where was he tried ? 

1008 — What was the verdict of the jury ? 

1009 — What was the state of Europe at this period ? 

1010 246 What advantage did America derive? 

101 1 — What right did'Great Britain claim ? 

1012 — What aggressions were committed by British cruiserg? 

1013 — State the purport of the British orders, dated in 1806. 

1014 247 What decree was issued at Berlin ? 

1015 — What was the eflect of these measures? 

1016 — What event occurred in june, 1807? 

1017 — What measures did the president adopt 

1018 — What course did the British government take ' 

1019 248 What important law was enacted ? 

1020 — What measures were adopted by Great Britain? 

1021 — What by Bonaparte? 

1022 — Whatetfeclliadtheembargoupon the people of NewEngland? 

1023 249 Mr. Jefferson declining, who was elected president? 

1024 — Who vice-president? 

1025 — What law was substituted for the embargo ? 

1026 — What arrangement was made with Erskine ? 
»027 — Was it ratified by Great Britain ? 

ifm 250 Did Great Biitaiii persist in Iier unfriendly conduet? 



20 QUESTIONS, 

dt. Pr, 

1029 250 What occurred on the coasts of Virginia? 

1030 — What did Mr. Poster propose ? 

1031 251 How many vessels had been captured since 1803, by British 

cruisers? 

1032 — What did the president recommend? 

1033 — What laws were enacted ? 

1034 — Relate what occurred at Tippecanoe. 

1035 252 What was the object of John Henry's mission' 

1036 — Did he meet with any success ? 

1037 — When was war declared ? 

1038 — For what reasons was it condemned ? 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

1039 253 Who was appointed commander-in-chief? 

1040 — What other generals were appointed ? 

1041 — When did Hull invade Canada? 

1042 254 What events occurred in that quarter? 

1043 — Who led an expedition towards the territory of Michigan.' 

1044 255 For what purpose was an army assembled on the frontier? 
1015 — Who commanded this army? 

1046 — What post was assaulted ? With what success 

1047 256 Who succeeded Van Rensselaer? 

1048 — What abortive attempts did he make? 

1049 — What was done by general Dearborn? 

1050 2.57 Describe the battle between the Constitution and Guerriere. 
1\51 258 What other naval victories were gained ? 

•Od2 — What was the number of priz,es made during the first seven 

months of the war? 
053 259 Who were elected president and vice-president in 1812 ? 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

J054 259 What terms were offered to the Br-tish government? 

1055 — Why were the propositions of Great Britain rejected? 

1056 — What measures did Congress adopt? 

1057 260 What took place at Frenchtown ? 

1058 261 To what place did Harrison march? 

1059 — By wiiom was fort Meigs invested? 

1060 — What did general Clay attempt? 
lOGl — What s\iccess did he meet with? 
1062 — How did the siege terminate? 
1003 — Describe the attack upon York. 

1064 262 What general was killed there." 

1065 — What fort was next attacked ? 

1066 — What generals vvere made prisoners at Stony creek. 

1067 — What other misfortune followed? 

1068 263 What post was attacked by the British? 

1069 — Who commanded there? 

1070 _ What was the event of the attack? 

1071 — What occurred on the sea-coast? 

1072 264 Describe the naval action fought February 23d. 

1073 — Describe the action between the Chesapeake and Shanton. 

1074 265 What were the last words of Lawrence? 

1075 — How was the victory received in England? 
1^076 — What other contests took place at sea? 
\077 266 Describe the affair at fort Stephenson. 

1078 — What present did colonel Croghan receive? 

1079 — Who were the respective conmianders on lake Fifie? 

1080 207 What words were inscribed on Perrv's flag? 



QUESTIONS. 21 

Qi. Pg. 

1081 967 Relate the events of the battle. 

1082 — Recite Perry's letter to Harrison. 
J083 — What (lid Harrison effect .-' 

1084 263 Who was apjiointed to command the army of tlie centre.' 

1085 — What orders did J>e receive.' 

J1)8G — What occurred while descending the St. Lawrence? 

1087 — Wliv was the project abandoned i" 

1088 a(j9 Wliat offer was made by the emperor of Russia? 

1089 — Who were appointed commissioners? 
1030 — What laws were passed by Congreas? 

1091 — What spirit was displayed by the southern Indiana' 
rem 270 What occurred at fort Mimms? 

1093 — Desctibe the battle at Tallushatchie ; at Talladega ; at Enuics 

faw ; at Tohopeka. 

1094 271 What occurred at the Hickory ground ? 

1095 — Recite Wetherford's speecli 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

1096 272 What bounty was offered to recruits? 

1097 — What communication was received from Great Britain , 

1098 — Was the proposition accepted ? 

1099 — Who were appointed additional commissioners? 

1100 — What occurred at the river La Cole 

1101 — Who was appointed to succeed Wiikinsoa ? 

1102 — Wiiat events bad recently occurred in Europe? 

1103 — How were tliese events advantageous to Gre^t Britain.' 
]i04 273 Which party was victorious at Chippewa? 

1 105 — Relate the events of the battle of Bridgewater. 
106 274 What step did general Ripley take? 

1107 — By how many troops was fort Erie invested. 

1108 — What VI us the event of the assault made by the enemy t 
109 — What of the sortie made by the besieged ? 

^110 275 \\'hen was the sieiie aliandoned? 

1111 — W'len did general lizard arrive from Plattsburgh 

1112 — W.iat expeditions proceeded from Canada.' 

1113 — What was the object of each? 

1114 — Wiiiit took place at the ford? 

1115 276 What was the result of the battle on the lake 

1116 — What did the British army then do? 

1117 — What actions occurred at sea? 

1118 277 Where were great exertions made for defence 
11J9 — When uid the main body of the enemy land ? 
1120 — Where did the Americans make a stand ? 

1 191 — What occurred tliere ? 

1122 — Whither did general Winder retreat? 

1123 — When did the enemy enter Washington? 

1124 278 What was their conduct there? 

1125 — What took place at Alexau'lria? 

1126 — What did Ross ne.xt undertake ? 

1127 — What was his fate? 

1128 279 How was tlie fleet received ? 

1199 — What was the event of this expedition ? 

1130 — When did the convention meet at Hartford ? 

1131 — What was enumerated and proposed in their address? 

1132 280 What information was received ("rom Ghent? 
\133 — What measures did Congress adopt? i. 

1134 — Who performed tlie duties of secretary of war 

1135 — Who was appointed secretary of the treasury ? 

1136 — What force arrived at Peasacola? 



22 QUESTIOIVa 

Q^. Per. 

1137 280 What was It permitted to do ? 

1138 — What did general Jackson do? 

3139 — What information did he receive at Mobile? 
IHO — What step did he thou take ? 
1141 — What did he find the condition of New Orleans.' 
11452 281 What was his conduct? 

1143 — Where did the enemy take a position, December 22d'? 

1144 — What occurred in the evening of the 23d ? 

1145 282 Where did Jackson erect fortifications? 

1146 — Were these assaulted ? With what success ? 

1147 — When was the last assault made ? Describe it 

1 148 — What was the amount of loss on each side ? 

1149 283 What took place on the west side of the river? 

1150 — What course did general Lambert then take ? 

1151 — When was peace concluded ? 

1152 — What were the provisions of the treaty ? 

1153 — What victories v/ere achieved at sea? 



APPENDIX. 

1154 284 By what was tlie era of the settlement of this country distia 

guished ? 
11.53 — What distinguished the country whence the settlers came? 
11,56 — To what class did they belong? 
1157 — What powerful establishments existed in Europe.' 
11.58 — What conduct did they pursue? 
159 — Were these establishments transferred to America.' 
lUO 285 What doctrine prevailed in Europe? 
Hfil — What was the nature and consequence of this doctrine? 
1U)2 — What is meant by the law of primogeniture ? 
Ilfi3 — What was the operation of this lavv? 

llf)4 — Does this doctrine, or this law, exist in the United States? 
1 165 — What is said of the systems of government established in the 

colonies ? 
1 IGG 286 In what is the contrast greatest between the European and 

American systems of government? 
iin? — What does the military peace establishment of Great Britain 

cost ? 
jlf;8 — Wiiat that of the United States? 
Iir.9 — What the respective naval establishments? 

1170 — What do British subjects pay individually in taxes? 

1171 — What do those of the United States pay? 

1172 — In what pursuits are the greatest ptNftion of the inhabitant* 

engaged ? 

1173 — What is produced in the northern states? 

1174 — What in the middle and western? 

1 175 — What in the southern ? 

117() — What number was engaged in agriculture in 1820? 
J 177 — What value of agricultural products was exported ? 
j]78 — State the value of the principal articles. 
1 !71) 297 What circumstances contributed to the prosperity of com- 
merce? 

1 180 — State the increase of our tonnage and revenue. 

1181 — flow many were engaged in CDinnierce in 1820? 

1182 — What was the amount of exports and imports in 1893? 
i]83 — What in 1807? 

1184 — Why iias commerce declined ? 

1185 — Ii<»w early did the cod tishery an the American coast attracf 

attention ? 



QUKSTIOxNS. :3 

1186 288 How ipr\ny ships and seamen did the French emjiloy in it in 

1744 ? ^. 

1187 _ What quantity of fish did they fake ? 

1188 — In 17C0, how many vessels were fitted out from the ports of 

New England f 
.1189 — How many seamen were employed? 
2190 — What is said in relation to the negotiation (tf the peace of 

17b:{? 

1191 — What estimate has been made in relation to these fisheries? 

1192 — What was their annual value? 

1193 — Why important to the nation ? 

1194 — What is said of the whale fishery? 

1195 289 State the value of the products of Hits fishery exported in 1807. 

In 182a. 

1196 — Recite the extracts from Burke's speech. 

1197 — What is said of manufactures? 

1198 290 What gave the first impulse to this branch of industry? 

1199 — What was the amount of manufactures in 1814? 

1200 — Wiiich are the princi|ial manufacturing statea? 

1201 — Which the principal manufactures? 

1202 — How n.any were engaged in manufactures in 1820.'' 

1203 291 What was the amount of the debt in 1790? 

1204 — What in 1812? 

1205 — How much was contracted in the last war? 
1306 — What was the amount in 1823? 

1207 — From what is the revenue principally derived .' 

1208 — In 1822, how much accrued from commerce ? 

1209 — How much from the sale of lands? How much from other 

sources ? 

1210 — What was the amount of expenditures in 1822? 

1211 — What was the excess of revenue over expenditures ? 

1212 — What coarse has been pursued in Europe, in relation to 

education ? 

1213 — What in the United States? 

1914 292 What law was passed in 1647 in relation to schools? 

1215 — What was done when the inhabitants increased ? 

1216 — What is the amount of the school fund in Connecticut? 

1217 — How is the inte-est appropriated ? 

1218 — What has been the etYect of this system ? 

12J9 — What is the amount of the school fund in New York.' 

1220 — How is the interest appropriated ? 

1221 — How many scholars were taught there in 1823? 

1222 — What is said of education in Virginia? 

1223 293 What has the national government done in relation to edu 

cation ? 

1224 — What is said of academies? 

1225 — When was Harvard College founded ? Where ? 

1226 — How many volumes does the library contain ? 

1227 — When was Yale Coltege founded ? 

1228 294 Where is it established ? 

1229 — How many volumes does its libraries contain? 

1230 — How many other colleges are there in the Union? 

1231 — Whaf are taught in all ? 

1232 — What in addition are taught in some of them •" 

1233 — What remark has been made of the United Stales? 

1234 — Is it just? 

12:^5 — What direction has been given to talents in the United Statea/ 

1236 295 What celebrated inventors may America boast of} 

1237 —Who are her eminent historians? Theological writers? 
.1238 —What political writings are spoken of? 



24 aUE!STIO?JS. 

Os. Pe.' 

i239 2% What is said of American painters? 

1250 S!)6 Wliere are Cnngteualionalisls most numerous ? 

1241 — Where Presbyterians? Where Metliodisis ? WI)ere Roman 

Catholics ? 

1242 — What are the distinpaisliing traits of theAmerican character? 

1243 — What J s said oftlie manners of Americans? 

1244 297 How often does the population o the United States double ? 

1245 — How often that of Great Britain ? 

1246 — Has the augmentation of wealth and power been as rapid? 

1247 — What circunistanees indicate that tlie United States will 

continue to prosper? 
IS48 ^8 Yfct o« what does their propperitv depend? 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 25 

(The following paragraphs are extracted from several reviews 
and critical notices of this work-] 

From the North American Review. 
" This little volume is a simple narrative of facts, put 
together in a plain way, and intended for schools. For 
such a purpose it seems well intended." " The mechani- 
cal division of the chapters is conveniently arranged for 
the use of reading classes in schools. In short, as an 
epitome of the history of the United States, designed for 
yoimg readers, we know not that a better work tlian this 
nas appeared." 

From the New York Commercial Advertiser. 
" The style of the author is at once familiar and pure ; 
the work is well arranged, and wc think it supphes a link 
in the chain of elementary instruction, which was much 
wanted. Disencumbered by dry and heavy details, which 
are always-more or less irksome to the juvenile learner, it 
sketches rapidly the leading features of our history, from the 
embarcation of Columbus to the close of the late war, in a 
manner so clear that all can understand, and in a garb so 
attractive, that when tlie lessons are once commenced, they 
will no longer be considered in the light of a task. We 
therefore cordially recommend it to the attention of in- 
structers." 

Extract from a commnnication in Freedom'' s Sentinel, pud- 
lished at Greenfield, Mass. 

" I have lately been reading a History of the United 
States, adapted to the use of schools, the author of which is 
understood to be Mr. Flale, of N. Hampshire. As I have 
been highly pleased with the work, I wish to recommend 
it to the attention of your reatlers, in the iiope that it may 
obtain that preference to which its superiority seems justly 
to entitle it." " As we live in an age of improvement ; as 
there is a general disposition to patronize the best works 
in each department, which are adapted to the use of schools; 
and as it is highly desirable to place the most correct histo- 
ries of our countiy in the hands of the rising generation, I 
hope that the work, which I have recommended, will fiiid 
its way into families and schools in this country." 
Extract of a letter from an eminent Bookseller in London, to 
the puhlisher in New York. 

" I thank you for the History of the United States. It is 
excellently written, and just such a book as we want. I 
put it fo press the day after I received it." 



2G IlECOMAiErsDATIONS. 

Fro:Ji the London Literary Gazette. 

This vuliiine "jo a pretc}' clear and succinct account of the 
countries of the ( lorthern) tiansatlantic continent, froni the 
period when the original settlers proceeded from Europe." 
" To those who s.ek for general information on the subject 
of the United States, this volume will be an agreeable and 
useful companion ; and though we here and there detect the 
national vanity of brother Jonathan breaking through the 
strict path of history, it cc)ntain5, on the whole, no very un- 
wiir description of the conflict between the two nations." 
From the London Monthly Repository. ■ 

".Abridged histories, fit to put into the hands of youth, and 
adapted to the mass of readers, whose want of time requires 
knowledge to be set before them in a small compass, are 
the most useful of all publications; but, if we may judge 
from the actual state of popular literature, the most difficult 
of execution. What epitome of the History of England can 
be named, with which an intelligent father of a family, or 
instructor of the young, is fully satisfied ? 

" We have u nerr approach to our conception of what is 
wanted, for a popular history of a country, in the volume 
before us, which is, we beiirve, a re-print from a work in 
circulation in America. Th-; story is neatly told ; the style, 
is simple and perspicuous ; there is no very predominant 
prejudice ; names are not set ibove things ; the love of lib 
erty is tempered by a regard to law end social order ; patri^ 
otism is a filial sentiment towards the writer's own country, 
and his reverence for virtue is seen in every page." 
A work entitled " The History and Topography of the Uaited 

StateH,"hag lately been published, in London, in two volumes 

quarto. The following ib extracted from some remarks upoo 

this work, in the Philadelphia Weekly Messenger. 

" It is a iittle remarkable, considering how long this book 
Mias been before the American public, that no one has pub- 
lished the fact, that th? KcverendMr. Hinton, of England,has 
thought proper to pirate a great portion of Hale's Premium 
History of the IJ. Stat- s, witiiout a word of acknowledgment, 
^nd that the 18mo vr-ume of Mr. Hale is expanded into a 
4to, by means of a few words of" what squires call potter, 
and what men call prose," at the beginning and ending of 
the chapters, and a large type, margin, and leads, through- 
out the book. 

" Hinton's History and Topography of the U. S. is beauti- 
fully got up, with expensive plates and maps. The History, 
being almost entirely t om Hale, is, of course, excellent." 



LIBRARY 



CONGRESS 




